By JONATHON HOWARD
IT’S back to the drawing board for Noosa Coast Guard to develop a memorial wall for lost loved ones.
Noosa Council previously voted down a bid to construct a memorial wall at Noosa Spit, with concerns raised about the sensitive aesthetics of the location and its overall fit with Noosa.
However, councillors decided to leave a door open for the Noosa Coast Guard to explore other possible locations as it attempts to raise much needed funds for a new rescue vessel by 2021.
Noosa Coast Guard commander John Milland said he was disappointed in council’s decision, but welcomed the opportunity to explore other options.
“There’s one plus that at least council is listening to our needs,” he said.
“The reality is we need a new rescue vessel within the next eight years.
“This is a very expensive sea craft and we need to be raising funds now, to ensure we’re ready.”
Mr Milland said several alternative sites were being investigated, but he wanted to make certain he has council’s approval before pre-empting anything.
“It came as a shock that we were denied the spit sight, but that’s okay at least we have another chance and we’re willing to work with council to get it happening.”
The proposed Noosa spit memorial wall site was voted down by a 50/50 split vote, with Mayor Noel Playford’s vote taking precedence.
