Plans to have a Centenary of Anzac logo painted on the Kiama lighthouse are in disarray, angering members of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL sub-branch.
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In November last year, Kiama councillors unanimously endorsed the vision of the sub-branch to have a Centenary of Anzac logo painted on the Kiama lighthouse from 2014 to 2018.
Kiama councillor Dennis Seage, who is also the secretary of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL sub-branch, said decorating the Kiama lighthouse with the three metre high logo would make ‘‘an icon even more iconic’’ and raise further awareness of the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women during World War I.
Approval was granted from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to use the logo, however on Friday last week Cr Seage said correspondence was received from the NSW Crown Lands Division that a full heritage assessment would need to be supplied before a decision was made.
‘‘This came just one working day before centenary commemorations took place,’’ Cr Seage said.
‘‘This has been something they knew about last year.’’
Cr Seage said it was his understanding the department had received three letters opposing the idea, which included one from Victoria and one from the Central Coast.
‘‘The lighthouse would be restored exactly how it is when the four years is over ... everyone I have spoken to his behind this,’’ Cr Seage said.
Cr Seage said the sub-branch was unlikely to pursue a full heritage assessment because of the cost of the assessment and the timeframe.
‘‘We had hoped to have this ready for Monday, it would have ben a very special service.
‘‘I am disgusted ... I would describe this as bureaucracy gone mad.’’
A spokesman for the Minister for natural resources, lands and water Kevin Humphries said as far as the minister was concerned discussions on the Kiama lighthouse proposal were continuing and no final decision had been made.