Toowoomba Region Councillor and former Cambooya Shire Mayor Carol Taylor has expressed her sadness following the recent destruction of the Cambooya War Memorial by a car.
Cr Taylor has a strong connection with Cambooya and the surrounding district and has attended numerous Anzac Day services at the memorial, including this year.
“It is devastating for history, for people with family memorialised on the cenotaph,” Cr Taylor said.
“Fortunately, no one’s been hurt so we can be thankful for that.”
A Queensland Police spokesperson said a 39-years-old Cambooya man has been fined in relation to the crash.
“Police will allege the man was driving a Ford Falcon on Eton Street around 6.17am, that crashed into a monument, causing significant damage,” the spokesperson said.
“He was issued with three infringement notices, including exceeding the speed limit by more than 20km/h ($646); careless driving ($575); and driver involved in a crash failing to fulfil duties ($287).”
Police investigations are continuing.
Cr Taylor said she had been suggesting for quite some time that strong bollards or something similar should be built between the memorial and the road to prevent an incident.
At this year’s Cambooya State School Anzac Day service, held just a month before the War Memorial was destroyed, a discussion was had between Cr Taylor and others regarding the potential for a vehicle to damage the site.
Cr Taylor said the risk is heightened during the Anzac Day service, where kids sit on tarps around the War Memorial which are very close to the road.
She said she would be going to great effort to ensure the Cambooya War Memorial is restored as soon as it can be.
“It’s important not just for Cambooya but for the wider community – I’d like to see it back,” Cr Taylor said.
“I think we should really seriously consider moving it back in the park further away from the road.
“I want to assure the community it will be built.”
TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea told On Our Selection News last week Toowoomba Regional Council officers are in the process of assessing the cost and timeline for repairing the memorial.
Related story: War memorial destroyed
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 8 June 2023.
