Clover Moore puts art before history: Diggers’ families asked to fund Hyde Park Anzac Memorial expansion

DIGGERS’ families asked to help fund the expansion of the Hyde Park Anzac Memorial after Clover Moore voted against the city contributing $9 million.

The War Memorial in Hyde Park / Picture: Chris McKeen

DIGGERS’ families are being asked to help fund the expansion of the Hyde Park Anzac Memorial after Mayor Clover Moore voted against a proposal for the City of Sydney to contribute $9 million — ­despite once boasting she wanted to do the work herself.

This is in stark contrast with the $9 million the council plans to spend on public art, ­including the construction of a giant milk crate.

Work on the memorial should begin this year, with Sydney architect Richard Johnson, who worked on alterations to the Opera House with Jorn Utzon, chosen to ­expand the war memorial.

A cascading waterfall will be constructed from the ­memorial down to Liverpool St and an education centre will be built beneath the building — in line with architect Bruce Dellit’s 1930s vision which was never realised because of the Great Depression.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore / Picture: Stephen Cooper

Ms Moore issued a press ­release in 2006 outlining her plan to expand the War Memorial — including the water feature down to Liverpool St.

The plan was revived last year by the Baird government, which committed $20 million for the $38 ­million project.

Just days later, Ms Moore, who presides over $7 billion of assets, helped to vote down a formal motion by councillor Christine Forster asking the council to commit $9 million.

“The City … thinks nothing of spending $9 million on ­public artwork, but the war memorial is a significant public building,” Ms Forster said.

Troops of the 11th Battalion and 1st Field Company Australian Engineers assembled on the forecastle of HMS London / Picture: Supplied

Veterans Affairs Minister Victor Dominello launched a donor recognition scheme, which would enable families to buy a “virtual star” for $100 on the ANZAC memorial website to recognise the service history of their relatives.

“This replicates a highly successful public appeal, led by the RSL during the original construction, when individuals were encouraged to purchase a golden star for two shillings,” Mr Dominello said.

The council said it had yet to receive a formal request to help fund the revamp, with a spokesman saying it had ­written to the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet last September seeking to ­confirm funding arrangements for the redevelopment, but was “still awaiting a response”.