A memorial recognising the efforts of our armed forces may be built in the Redlands after Council voted to support the project today.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the project would include a memorial precinct across from the Redlands RSL, which would complement the Redlands’ proud military history.
“This project is a fantastic way for the Redlands’ to acknowledge those currently serving in the armed forces, those who have previously fought in battles and those who have fallen,” she said.
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“It will also provide an enhanced public space that could include tree-lined avenues and seating to be enjoyed by the community while remembering our defense personnel.”
Cr Williams said today’s Council decision paved the way for the Redlands RSL and National Servicemen Association of Australia – Queensland (NSAAQ) to continue the planning for the project.
“It is still early days, but today’s decision shows that Council is supportive of the project and we are keen to see further detail,” she said.
“The next step will be for the Redlands RSL and NSAAQ to secure funding and then develop plans to bring back to the community.”
Council’s open space spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said the project would hold even greater significance with this year’s centenary of World War I.
“The Redlands has a proud military history, so this project would be a great way to remember our past, while also providing a community facility for the future,” he said.
“Each year thousands of locals attend dawn services and other parades to recognise our troops and this number grows every year.
“Our existing war memorials are struggling to keep up with this demand, so having a new purpose-built precinct would be a great asset for the city.
“Council will also commemorate this proud military history when it hosts the inaugural Freedom of Entry to the City event in April.”
The Redlands military history
The Redlands’ military history includes the RAAF operating Sunderland flying boats from Redland Bay and the local hotel being commandeered as officers’ quarters during World War II.
The US Army Signal Corps also had radio transmitter sites at Redland Bay and Capalaba, with Australian and US Army radar units based at the aptly named Point Lookout.
The Australian Women’s Land Army established camps at Redland Bay, Birkdale and Victoria Point.
Coochiemudlo Island also played a role as a training base for two divisions of Royal Australian Engineers bound for New Guinea.
One of the great travesties of World War II occurred off North Stradbroke Island in 1943, when 268 lives were lost after the Australian hospital ship Centaur was torpedoed. It rests today 30 nautical miles off the southern tip of Moreton Island.
