Council’s Cemetery Policy was formally adopted on May 28, in Urana and the changes described as “great” by deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch.
The change regarding dogs was initiated by Cr Aaron Nicholls and council staff were also critical of that practice.
“We feel this is totally inappropriate and would cause significant emotional pain to people wishing to attend the cemetery to mourn their loved ones with their dog by their side,” council’s director engineering services Theo Panagopoulos said.
Two written submissions were received following the 28-day exhibition period. Answers by council to questions raised follow.
Reservation fees paid up to June 30, 2023 include the cost of the plot, gravedigging (lawn), interment and perpetual maintenance and an additional administration cost. No further costs are to be charged.
Probing will be allowed in family plots. This work will be undertaken by a council approved contractor at the family's cost.
The price harmonisation will be advertised on council's website. With a 10% increase annually for the former Urana Shire cemeteries, and assuming a general annual increase of 3.5% for the former Corowa Shire cemeteries, it will take 10 years for the fees to be harmonised. The exhibited policy indicated this harmonisation would commence in 2023/2024, this has been corrected to 2024/2025.
The clean ups will be undertaken with the utmost care and discretion will be exercised by the staff undertaking this work.
The purpose of the cemeteries is to provide a place of interment for deceased persons and cremated remains (ashes) that is accessible, aesthetic, respectful and caters for a range of religious needs and cultural requirements. Sections within the various cemeteries have been made available for different types and classes of interments.
