THE tilting of Kiama's 87-year-old "Leaning Tower of Pisa", also known as the Memorial Arch in Hindmarsh Park, is worrying the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL sub-branch and has led Kiama Council to seek advice on what to do.
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RSL sub-branch president Ian Pullar said the slight lean of the arch, identified over many years, was an area of concern as was wear and tear on the stainless steel plaques on the inside of the arch.
On Anzac Day this year, the sub-branch collected $2596 towards replacing the stainless steel tablets with granite ones.
Kiama Cabs' owners Gavin McClure and Kay McNiven, Kiama Rotary and the Hopkins family have all recently kicked the can.
Mr Pullar said replacing the inside plaques had been estimated at $11,000 and the sub-branch would seek government funding to help with the project.
"We still have a long way to go but we will get there eventually," he said.
Mr Pullar said he had also approached Kiama Council about the tilting of the monument.
"It is the leaning tower of Kiama," he said.
"It is testament to its construction that it hasn't cracked.
"Only a qualified engineer will know the best way to deal with it but if it falls down one of these days, it would an absolute tragedy because I doubt anyone would have the money to replace it."
The arch was opened on Anzac Day, 1925 by NSW premier Sir George Fuller.
Kiama Council's director of Engineering and Works Bryan Whittaker, a lifelong Kiama resident, said the arch had had a lean as long as he could remember and the council had been monitoring it for at least the past 12 years.
Mr Whittaker said the leaning in a couple of directions was the result of the arch being built on old fill material in what was Kiama's first tip and that a water course had also run through the park.
Mr Whittaker said he recently called for a report on the lean and that survey reflectors would be placed on the top of the arch to help establish the extent.
"I have asked for more data so I can get a better gauge of the rate at which it is moving," Mr Whittaker said.
"I have asked for a full report which I will assess, and [I will] get advice from a structural engineer on the best course of action."
Mr Whittaker said the best solution would probably involve underpinning the corners.
Kiama Council has included funds in its coming budget for an approved memorial walk on the existing pathway near the arch.
RSL sub-branch secretary Dennis Seage said the community would be able to buy memorial plaques honouring loved ones on the walk.
To donate to the project, call Kiama-Jamberoo RSL sub-branch president Ian Pullar on 4233 1985 or secretary Dennis Seage on 0425 205 301, or write to PO Box 34, Kiama 2533.