Paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Published 9:30am 9 September 2022

Tributes are flowing from across the Moreton Bay Region for Queen Elizabeth II who died overnight at the age of 96 years.

Flags will be flown at half-mast on Council buildings for the next 10 days and official condolence books will be available for signing at Council administration centres from Monday. Council's general meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed as a mark of respect during the mourning period.

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “While we all new this day would come it somehow still feels surreal, probably because Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant in all our lives and the only monarch most of us have ever known.

“I’ve been surprised by my own sadness this morning on hearing the news of her passing and I know many Moreton Bay locals will be experiencing a range of emotions, from disbelief to grief.

“So, I think it’s important for us to provide locals with a way to record their memories of the Queen’s reign and offer their condolences to Buckingham Palace by making condolence books available.

“I think the most poignant words today are actually a quote from Queen Elizabeth II herself: Grief is the price we pay for love.

“Let these 10 days of mourning be a time for remembrance, in celebration of a truly remarkable life.

“To me her reign is the embodiment of what it means to live a life of service, she was dignified, devoted to her service, and admired around the world.

“Whatever your thoughts on the monarchy, personally I think this is a remarkable achievement when you consider that she’s lived every minute of her life in the public eye, under the most exacting scrutiny.”

She visited Australia 16 times as Queen, visiting Queensland eight of those times.

During her reign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was served by 15 Australian Prime Ministers, 16 Governors-General of Australia and 13 Queensland Premiers.

Government House will make arrangements for the public who wish to pay their respects at the statue of Her Majesty the Queen on the Estate.

Buckingham Palace has an online book of condolences. Write your message here

Other tributes from across the region

Federal Opposition Leader and Member for Dickson Peter Dutton said in a statement on Facebook:

“Never in modern history has there been a more dignified monarch, a more dutiful leader, or a more decent human than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the statement read.

“An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end. The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign.

“She was our Sovereign. As she was for other nations of the Commonwealth spread across the world’s continents and oceans.

“A Monarch who ruled with an empathetic heart and wisdom both innate and gained from almost a century of life and experience. Her Majesty was gentle, kind, and much-loved.

“Today, a comforting warmth has left the world. One of humanity’s brightest lights has gone out.

“May our memories of our dear Queen inspire the very best in us, just as she drew inspiration from her subjects.

“As the Leader of the Opposition, and on behalf of the Federal Coalition, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is finally at peace with her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.”

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth also expressed his condolences.

“Devastating loss as Australia wakes to the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96,” he wrote on Facebook.

“70 years of faithful service to the crown. Our longest serving monarch.

“Abundant in grace, wisdom and strength. Selflessly devoted to her people. Australia mourns.

“May she rest in eternal peace. God save the King.”

Deputy Premier and State Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said there was “no greater life than one dedicated to the service of others”.

“For 70 years Her Majesty served with strength, grace and a deep sense of duty. Serving the Commonwealth with decency and kindness even in the face of personal tragedy,” he said on Facebook.

“There will be a shared grief in the coming days as there aren’t many of us that remember anything other than the Elizabethan age.

“Queenslanders stand with the people of the United Kingdom who are mourning the loss of one of the most consequential figures of the last century.

“Not many Queenslanders have known a time before, thirteen Queensland Premiers have served in Her Majesty’s name. The Queen has presided over the highs and lows of Queensland for the last 70 years.

“Her Majesty was with us in our tough moments and celebrated with us in our successes.”