RESTRICTING the installation of plaques and memorials to events or people of "outstanding significance" would exclude the poor and downtrodden, according to a Hepburn Shire councillor.
Cr Rod May spoke against the council's proposed plaques and memorials policy at last week's meeting.
He questioned why only people of importance should have a plaque.
"I can see the great merit of having a framework ... I just wonder if we haven't gone too far," he said.
A motion to adopt the policy was passed after four of the six councillors voted in favour of it.
The policy will provide a framework for council to use when dealing with requests for plaques and memorials.
Existing plaques and memorials will "generally be retained" under the policy but if maintenance costs become prohibitive or there is a need to re-locate, removal could be an option.
Council previously had no policy to consistently deal with applications from people or organisations wishing to install a plaque or memorial on council or council-controlled public property.
In the past these requests had been dealt with based on the considered importance of the purpose for the plaque or memorial.
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