Criteria could be tightened for memorial plaques and disposing of cremated remains in Hobsons Bay.
However, a decision won’t be made until after the October 27 council election. Under the 2006 policy up for review, people may apply to install a memorial plaque on an item such as a public seat or table to commemorate a person who made a significant contribution to the community.
Under the proposed new criteria, it would need to be shown that a person also made an enduring contribution.
Williamstown ward councillor Angela Altair told last week’s council meeting that the rationale was “to reduce the great demand for memorial plaques in Williamtown.”
Since 1995, the council has approved 29 memorials, mostly along the foreshore and in open space areas. The most popular location for plaques is along the Strand in Newport and Williamstown, where 17 of the 26 public seats are dedicated to someone’s loved one. Under the proposed new policy, memorials would also have a 10-year lifespan.
