Almost four years have passed since the fatal sinking of the trawler Dianne off the coast of 1770 and a permanent memorial is still nowhere in sight, said the Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
Mr Bennett said this delay was simply disgraceful with the temporary memorial continuing to be vandalised.
“Four years ago, the Agnes Water and 1770 community was struck by tragedy when the fishing trawler Dianne capsized off the coast,” he said.
“Six people lost their lives that night and it’s something that we as a community will never forget.
“This horrific accident touched the lives of many, with the community coming together to erect a temporary memorial.
“Sadly this temporary memorial is just that, temporary, and has been targeted by vandals and thieves.
“A permanent memorial will allow the community, and the friends and family of those who have lost their loved ones, a place to grieve and commemorate the tragic event.
“However it’s been almost four years since the Dianne overturned and we’re still waiting for this place of remembrance.
“This delay is shameful.”
The Burnett MP asked the Minister for Transport to provide the details of the design and the completion date of the memorial during a recent Question Time in State Parliament.
Mr Bennett said the Minister has finally responded but sadly a design and date are still missing.
“The Minister has once again blamed bureaucracy for this disgraceful four-year delay,” he said.
“Enough is enough, it’s time to get on with the job.
“We have seen the State Labor Government play politics with this case from the very beginning.
“They were called out by the community, the industry and finally the Queensland Coroner but still the Minister failed to apologise.
“The community needs a place to commemorate and remember, so please stop this obstructionist and cruel behaviour.
“We’ve been promised it will be erected before the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, so I will hold them to their commitment and will continue to fight to see this become a reality.
“The Burnett deserves better.”
28/06/21