COOCHIEMUDLO Island has a place of reflection for people to remember those who have served in times of conflict.
The island’s war memorial reflection space, funded by Redland City Council and the state government, was officially launched on Wednesday.
Mayor Karen Williams said council had contributed more than $70,000 to the project.
This included $25,000 from deputy mayor Lance Hewlett as part of the Division 4 Capital Infrastructure Program.
The state government provided $32,200 to the Redland City Council through its Lasting Legacies grant scheme.
Cr Williams said the project had been designed to ensure Coochiemudlo Island’s war memorial was a beautiful place of reflection for people to remember those who had served the nation.
“Works include a new connecting pathway from Coochiemudlo Foreshore Park and a seating area adjacent to the memorial and flag pole, with materials and plants chosen to complement the naturally wonderful landscape of Coochiemudlo Island,” Cr Williams said.
The project included enhancement of the existing war memorial by adding a pathway and seating adjacent to the memorial and flag pole to improve accessibility for visitors.
Deputy mayor Lance Hewlett said community input had been crucial to the project’s success.
“Coochiemudlo Island residents have a strong tradition of honouring our servicemen and women at commemorations, and it is wonderful this improved war memorial is now available for these special events,” Cr Hewlett said.
“Support and feedback from the Coochiemudlo Island Heritage Society, Coastcare Coochiemudlo Island and Doug Cope of the Coochiemudlo Island Memorial Events Committee and RSL were key to the successful grant application.
“Coochiemudlo Bushcare Group also gave amazing support in completing the landscaping around the new structures, so it has been a truly collaborative effort.”
Redlands MP Kim Richards said she hoped the place of reflection would engage and educate young and old people about Australia’s involvement in World War I.
“Through the Queensland government Anzac Centenary grants program and in collaboration with Redland City Council we have been able to come together to provide our Coochiemudlo Island community and visitors the opportunity to reflect on how war has shaped our nation,” Ms Richards said.
“(Coochiemudlo Island) is a magical location and is certain to provide all with the opportunity to contemplate the incredible efforts of our returned service men and women, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
“Projects like this will play a vital role in serving their memory and are a wonderful lasting tribute to the legacy of our ANZACs.”