RSL set to soldier on despite changing Anzac landscape at Queenscliff

Jessica Benton
QUEENSCLIFF’S RSL will conduct its annual Anzac Day march along a new-look Avenue of Honour tomorrow after council cut down historic cypress trees that were planted as memorials to fallen soldiers.
Borough of Queenscliff announced last year it would remove all the memorial trees after cutting down four on Point Lonsdale Road because of their “declining health”.
The borough has since cut down and replaced two trees to improve access to Queenscliff’s Marine Discovery Centre.
But a Borough spokesperson said a tree canopy and “terrible drought” had delayed regrowth.
Queenscliff/Point Lonsdale RSL president Richard Williams said the sub-branch had “no control” over the tree removal.
“It’s up to the borough if the trees come down but I’ve been assured they will only be cut down if they are a danger to the public,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Williams said tomorrow’s service at Queenscliff will begin with a 10.45am march along the Avenue of Honour prior to an 11am service. Fort Queenscliff would host an earlier dawn service, he said.
RAAF’s Roulettes will fly over the service at 10.50am, Mr Williams said.
Other RSL sub-branches will run Anzac Day marches, services and ceremonies across the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Geelong.