PORT Stephens Council has revised its Parks and Roadside Memorials policy.

John Maretich, Council’s Asset Section Manager, said the purpose of the policy is to “provide a framework that documents Council’s position on memorials such as crosses, plaques and the placement of tributary items such as flowers, cards and photographs erected on roadsides, as well as memorials such as seats, plantings and plaques within parks”.

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“Council does receive requests from individuals or organisations for the installation of memorial plaques or for the donation of park furniture or the planting of trees in memory of a deceased person/s,” Mr Maretich said.

According to the Port Stephens Council, the policy has been enacted a number of times in the assessment of new and existing memorials and has also been used for relocation, removal and the downsizing of a number of memorials in or on road reserves in a number of locations – all with positive outcomes for Council and the families involved.

The policy review now ensures that Council officers recognise the deep emotions attached to memorials, providing a framework to be sensitive in dealing with issues regarding to the location of memorials – allowing for a period of mourning and avoidance of anniversaries and birthdays when making contact with families in relation to downsizing, relocations or removals.

Council shall also provide consistent information on the placement, modification, relocation or removal of memorials, whilst also limiting Council’s exposure to the potential road safety and public liability risks.

“Council has an obligation to ensure that items within our parks and road reserves are installed safely and the memorials do not place the public in danger.

“It should be noted that Council does not encourage the placement of memorials within the road reserve.

“While the memorial object and the act of placing a memorial within the road reserve can be considered a risk, this policy does recognise the social and community benefit of memorials if undertaken as per the attached guidelines in the policy,” Mr Maretich said.

The policy will now be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

By Tara CAMPBELL