Maribyrnong council has defended its decision to place privately operated recycling bins on the edge of a memorial garden to honour Sandy, the only horse to return to Australia following service in World War I.
The Friends of Sandy and the Australian Light Horse spent close to 30 years fighting for a memorial to Sandy, finally gaining their wish last October.
Friends of Sandy’s Elaine Brogan said the “ugly” bins placed at the edge of the carpark adjacent to the memorial, on Randall Street in Maribyrnong, were disrespectful and unsightly.
“These bins always attract dumping as well, so we have this lovely memorial being spoiled,” she said.
Council infrastructure services director Sunil Bhalla said the placement of the bins “minimally impacts” viewing the garden’s monument.
“The bins have been placed on Council land at the northern end of the carpark as it was deemed the most suitable location due to the ease of parking at that end of the carpark for people accessing the bins,” he said.
“We are unable to have them installed at the southern end of the carpark as this leads to an emergency evacuation area.”
Mr Bhalla said the bins are part of a trial that began in December and will be reviewed at the end of the month.
