Public exhibition open

Council's draft Memorials in Public Places Policy and draft Roadside Tributes policy are on exhibition for community feedback.

These draft policies aim to support community members who wish to honour the memory of a loved one. Council recognises the deep emotional significance that memorials and roadside tributes may serve for those processing grief.

While both policies support the community in honouring loved ones, they apply to different settings. The Memorials in Public Places Policy focuses on commemorations in parks, reserves and other public spaces, while the Roadside Tributes Policy provides guidance for tributes placed at the site of fatal road incidents on Council-managed roads.

  • Memorials in Public Places Policy

    Focuses on commemorations in parks, reserves and other public spaces

    View draft policy 

  • Roadside Tributes Policy

    Provides guidance for tributes placed at the site of fatal road incidents on Council-managed roads

    View draft policy 

This policy outlines how the community can request memorials in public spaces such as parks, recreation areas and local reserves.

Council’s primary responsibility is to maintain these spaces for public enjoyment and environmental protection. While we understand the importance of public memorials to individuals and families, we encourage alternatives to permanent monuments. We consider cemeteries the most appropriate place for personal remembrance.

To support meaningful commemoration in public spaces, Council offers two options:

  • Community memorial trees
  • Public trees

Approved applications for a public memorial result in a leaf-shaped plaque with the deceased’s details placed on the selected tree. These are located across the LGA and are managed by Council’s Cemeteries Manager.

Applicants may choose from designated planting sites and tree species listed in Council’s Greener Places Strategy. While memorial plaques are not provided for natural trees, a certificate of recognition can be requested.

The policy does not apply to roadside tributes, war memorials, group recognitions, or asset renaming. Separate procedures exist for these, including referrals to the Returned Services League for service-related memorials and development applications for group or non-individual recognitions.

Why is this policy needed?

Council receives a high volume of requests for memorial furniture, which unfortunately cannot all be accommodated. Additionally, there are a number of unauthorised memorials currently in place across the Central Coast.

The policy provides guidance for the placement, management and duration of roadside tributes following fatal crashes on Council-managed roads.

Council recognises that placing roadside flowers or tributes is an important part of the grieving process for people dealing with the loss of life of a loved one involved in a road trauma. We respect this need and want to offer support through clear, compassionate guidelines.

The draft policy aims to ensure roadside tributes are respectful, safe for all road users and considerate of nearby residents and the broader community.

It includes guidance on:

  • Appropriate placement
  • Size
  • Duration of tribute

Why is this policy needed?

Council has received increasing concerns that some roadside tributes may unintentionally be causing distress to adjacent residents or other impacted families. There are also important road safety considerations to keep in mind.

Currently, families are unable to formally register their tributes with Council. This draft policy introduces a registration process to help ensure respectful communication if future roadworks or changes are required in the area.

Make a submission

We invite the community to review the draft policies and provide your feedback.

To share your feedback on the policies, you can:

Submissions close Friday 5 December 2025.

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