Tuesday, 24 May 2022

Ministers statements: Mount Macedon memorial cross

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (12:08): Recently I was very privileged to visit the Mount Macedon memorial cross to announce to the members of the Mount Macedon memorial cross committee of management the good news that the Andrews Labor government has allocated $810 000 to upgrade the cross reserve and surrounds. Mary-Anne Thomas, the member for Macedon—a very good member—and the committee of management have been advocating for some years to improve accessibility and visibility for attendees at the annual memorial services, along with improving the visitor experience for the many people who visit the cross throughout the year. The Mount Macedon cross draws visitors every day, all around the year. They visit for the views and the natural beauty of the location but also in quiet contemplation to pay their respects and commemorate the service and sacrifice of veterans.

Delivering on the aspirations of the master plan completed last year, the $810 000 project will be delivered over two years. The project will improve visitor access and safety and expand on the viewing areas to increase the number of people who can attend the Anzac Day service, and it will include works to provide more places for people to be seated and standing at events. General improvements to the car park, bus parking, seating and bollards, along with upgrades to signage and interpretation, will be undertaken to enhance and improve the day-to-day amenity and experience for visitors to the site. I congratulate and thank all the members of the Mount Macedon cross committee of management for their ongoing voluntary contribution to protecting and enhancing such an important site for veterans and the Victorian community.