Memorials on roads

A monument is a permanent commemoration of a significant person or event relevant to the Northern Territory (NT).

It can only be approved by the Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure or their delegate.

A memorial is something placed at the site of a fatality, like a cross or flowers.

Memorials can only be placed if they follow the rules below. This helps support grieving families while keeping roads safe and clear.

Before you apply

Before you apply, you must read the Memorials in the Road Reserve Policy PDF (233.7 KB).

You're only allowed to place a memorial or monument if you agree to regularly maintain it.

Rules for materials and placement

The monument or memorial must:

• not obscure traffic control devices or signs
• not cause a traffic or roadside hazard
• be a simple design that doesn't distract drivers
• not use reflective material or paint
• not use any form of illuminative equipment or lighting
• not be attached to road infrastructure, including light poles, barriers or guideposts
• not exceed permitted dimensions - 750mm high, 500mm wide and installed 400mm below ground
• be firmly fixed - not concreted into the ground
• not be created from litter
• not be a plant or tree
• be at least 1m from the back of kerbs or footpaths
• be at least 4m from the edge of the bitumen if there is no kerb
• not be erected on central medians with a width less than 6m
• not be erected within 25m of an intersection
• be located so that visitors do not affect, hinder or significantly distract other road users passing the site
• be erected with consideration to neighbouring residents.

Visiting a monument or memorial

When visiting a memorial or monument, you must:

• show due care and consideration for other road users and neighbouring properties
• not use glass material or containers
• park your vehicle safely and clear of the road
• clean up all rubbish associated with visiting the memorial or monument.

Removal of memorial or monument

The memorial or monument can be removed by the NT Government if:

• you don't maintain the memorial or monument
• neighbouring residents complain.

The memorial or monument may also be removed due to road works. It is your responsibility to put the memorial or monument back in its place once the road works are complete.

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply to place a memorial or monument on an NT Government road reserve.

Step 1. Fill in the application.

Memorials in the road reserve application PDF (121.1 KB)
Memorials in the road reserve application DOCX (65.1 KB)

Step 2. Submit application to the manager road operations and traffic by emailing roadsdarwin.ntg@nt.gov.au.

How to report a memorial or monument

You can report a memorial or monument on the road reserve if it's:

• a road safety hazard
• not being maintained.

You should find out who manages the road that the memorial or monument is located on, and then contact the relevant authority.

You can check which roads are managed by the NT Government.

Contact

For further information or assistance, you can email roadsdarwin.ntg@nt.gov.au or call 08 8999 3449.