ACT Government welcomes better options for our cemeteries


Released 22/03/2018

The ACT Government has today welcomed the findings of a report into the management of ACT cemeteries by the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services.

All 12 recommendations in the report on current burial and cremation practices and the funding and governance models for ACT cemeteries were noted or agreed to.

“The Committee’s report highlights the diverse community we have in Canberra and the importance of a range of burial, interment and cremation services. Consistent with these findings, the government is committed to providing choice in interment options,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris.

“We introduced greater choice of burial options with the opening of the natural burial site at the Gungahlin Cemetery in November 2015 and will continue to cater to future trends and preferences.

“The ACT Government will undertake a review of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 and a public engagement and sensitive consultation process to best achieve this and ensure the continued maintenance and sustainability of Canberra’s cemeteries into the future.

“This will include an assessment of the feasibility and financial basis for adopting a renewable tenure scheme.

Tenure is currently ‘in perpetuity’ (i.e. forever), and across Australia there has been a move to provide options for a shorter period of tenure.

“We have also listened to community concerns about where cemeteries should be located in our city and the government has decided not to proceed with the extension of the Woden Cemetery.

“The government will continue to explore the Southern Memorial Park option to ensure that a full range of burial and interment services can be provided across Canberra.

“We recognise and respect community views on these important issues and are committed to exploring a range of options to ensure we are best placed for future demand,” Minister Fitzharris said.

- Statement ends -

Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Claire Johnston

(02) 6205 0022

0452 597 459

clairev.johnston@act.gov.au


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