ELIZABETH Quay has been selected as the location for Australia’s national memorial to the passengers and crew of missing flight MH370.

Premier Mark McGowan said the monument, to be jointly funded by the WA and Federal governments, was expected to be installed in the second half of 2018.

Perth was selected as the city for the memorial because of its proximity to the Indian Ocean, where 227 passengers and 12 crew are believed to have perished.

“This national memorial will be an important way to honour all those from locations around the world on board MH370, including the seven people who called Australia home, as well as recognising all affected family and friends,” Mr McGowan said.

Camera Icon A map of what experts believe is the likely final resting place of MH370.

“The site at Elizabeth Quay in Perth has been carefully chosen to provide a fitting and accessible location for family and friends and other visitors from all around the world and offer an appropriate setting for quiet reflection and contemplation.”

MH370 disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014 in what remains aviation’s biggest unsolved mystery. The search for the missing jet, in an area 2500km from Perth, was suspended last January despite the use of cutting-edge technology and modelling.

A tender released by the Department of Premier and Cabinet said the memorial would acknowledge the 239 people from 14 countries aboard MH370.

Camera Icon An RAAF C-130J Hercules assists with the search for MH370 off the WA coast in 2014. Credit: Michael Wilson

The memorial may “express emotion”, “evoke the experience of search” and “reflect upon personal loss while engendering a sense of place”, documents state. “Consideration should be given to the multi-cultural nature of those on board the aircraft and their families and friends,” guidance for artists add.

“In considering Chinese cultural sensitivities it is preferred to reference ‘those lost’ rather than ‘those that died’.

“A list of names is not considered appropriate as the circumstances are unresolved.

“The connection with the water is significant. The waterfront location for the permanent memorial has been carefully selected.”

The memorial will be located at one of four potential sites on Elizabeth Quay’s man-made island, which is already home to a playground and Isle of Voyage cafe.

According to the tender, the value of the commission is $126,000 plus GST and it will be installed in September.