Upgrades to improve Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve
The tales of the region’s brave World War II veterans will be given greater prominence after a cash splash to upgrade the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve. Here’s how they plan to do it.
North West
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The legacy of veterans will be further preserved with $50,000 to upgrade the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross Reserve.
Regarded by Heritage Victoria as the second most significant war memorial behind the Shrine of Remembrance, the Memorial Cross is currently closed during Victoria’s coronavirus lockdown.
It is a major attraction for tourists and locals and has a long history of community use, but pressure has mounted on infrastructure and the environment as visitor numbers increased by 66 per cent in recent years.
Veterans Minister Robin Scott said the cross was one of the “most significant war memorials in regional Victoria” and the improvements would mean more could enjoy the site.
“This is about preserving the history of our state and ensuring that we never forget the great sacrifice our veterans made,” he said.
The funding will go towards a heritage analysis of the site’s commemorative features and how best to preserve and enhance them.
There will be further emphasis on stories of local World War II veterans, in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the end of the battle this year.
The current depictions feature brass plaques on rocks leading up the cross, but the new additions may have a modern flare.
Reserve committee members have been taking inspiration on recently-built memorials and how stories are shared. They hope the new display will give greater scope of what families, individuals and local towns did doing during wartime.
The final design is yet to be approved.
The development of the reserve will follow the master plan completed by La Trobe University’s Community Planning and Development Unit last year.
With the help of La Trobe lecturer David Robb and seven Bendigo La Trobe planning students, the 10-year master plan included improvements to visitor facilities, carparking, water management, viewing corridors, signage, educational resources and the commemorative environment.
The masterplan working group consisted of representatives from La Trobe, the memorial reserve committee of management, Parks Victoria and Macedon Ranges Council.
Macedon state Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas said funding ensured the site could meet visitor demand.
“This is terrific news for our community and for everyone that has worked so hard to ensure the reserve continues to welcome visitors well into the future,” she said.
“The reserve has been attracting record visitors in recent years – this funding means we can cater for those bigger crowds and preserve the site for generations to come.”
The grant was one of 63 given across Victoria.
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The popular tourist spot closed in March due to visitors breaking social distancing rules.
Nearby gardens and parks have also been shut.
Macedon Ranges chief executive Margot Stork said it was disappointing visitors flouted warning and continued to come to the area.
“We are all for people getting some fresh air and exercise, but there is no need for tourists to travel long distances to the area to do so,” she said.
“Normally we welcome visitors but with the current pandemic it is not appropriate.
“The advice is quite clear – stay home and stay safe.”