Anzac Day marches in the Mountains will go ahead this year, but there’s no guarantee of further funding from the state government.
Returning from leave, state minister for veterans affairs David Elliott last week met in Glenbrook with RSL sub-branch members and others involved in organising Anzac marches in the Mountains.
Owen Wood from the Katoomba RSL sub-branch was concerned funding for marches would be an issue again next year and said the state government should be taking responsibility.
“We will be back with the same issue again next year,” he said. “You made the rules, you pay for it.”
Rather than committing to further funding, Mr Elliott threw it back on federal and local government.
“Anzac day and veterans affairs are in the federal jurisdiction,” he said.
"These financial regulations are not new. BMCC is the only council in the state not covering these costs. Every other council around NSW is prepared to cover these costs."
In response, Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill, who was not invited to the meeting, said “the minister may ask why we are the only LGA receiving this funding and I would say in return that we are the only LGA with these security arrangements that I know of.”
Blue Mountains City Council has provided funding in previous years for Anzac marches and Cr Greenhill said that would continue.
"Council will remain committed to our local marches. We will always be there for them. But all levels of government need to make an ongoing commitment because it appears that these anti-terrorism measures are pretty specific to the Blue Mountains.”
He will introduce a mayoral minute at the next council meeting recommending council commit to ongoing funding for Mountains Anzac marches and seeking a dollar for dollar commitment from the state government.
The RSL sub-branches had decided to cancel marches in Blackheath, Katoomba, Springwood and Glenbrook this year because of the additional cost of security measures imposed by local police.
Blue Mountains City Council and the state government then stepped in to ensure the marches went ahead, agreeing to share this year’s additional costs 50:50.