Narrabri Shire councilors have approved an $892,000 plan for road, curb and gutter improvements at Lawn Cemetery.
The project, which will span a five-year period, will form part of future deliberations for next year’s budget.
A report filed with elected members noted the damage caused by surface water retention and that repairs to potholes and surface failures are routinely carried out by council employees.
“The past eighteen months of constant rainfall has inflicted further wear and tear on the surface,” the council’s parks and open spaces report said.
said manager Evan Harris.
“The inverted curb and gutter segments that surround each burial section exacerbate water retention because it cannot drain freely,” Harris’ report said.
Council studied designs and costs to replace the curb and gutter in four sections of the cemetery.
These works would be crucial if the road surfacing works were approved, the report noted.
The cemetery motion was moved by Cr Rohan Boehm and seconded by Lisa Richardson at the last regular council meeting.
The eight councilors present at the meeting also voted to approve the installation of signage displaying the burial map in all county cemeteries, including the installation of letters identifying the burial rows on the sidewalk. from the Narrabri Lawn Cemetery.
“I think it’s really important,” said Cr Boehm.
“I’ve actually walked around some cemeteries a bit…and yes, when I reported earlier in the year that there was a lack of signage, I didn’t realize it was as bad as it gets,” Cr Boehm said at last week’s council meeting.
“Anyway, it’s great to be able to say we’re paying attention to it.”
Cr Lisa Richardson said it was fantastic there was a five-year plan, but urged the council to get the project done as soon as possible.
“I still wish I could apply for a grant, so it’s not five years, five years seems a bit too long for this project alone,” said Cr Richardson.
“I just want to make sure that if we get a grant, we can do it earlier than the five-year plan.”
A point was added to the motion asking the board to apply for grants to advance the program.
Another suggestion from councilors, which was also endorsed, was the need for community involvement and feedback on the issue.
Accordingly, Council will publish the five-year plan and proposed mapping of the Narrabri Lawn Cemetery for public consultation.
“I think we should communicate this to the community,” commented Cr Tiemens.
“I have heard many people talk about cemeteries.
“I know it’s not something we like to talk about, but it’s something we should communicate widely that we’re doing something about.”
Cr Greg Lamont added: “I have raised this as an issue, and I really appreciate what the staff have done here, and like Cr Richardson I would like this to happen as soon as possible and if we can find grants or funds in our budget.
“And even though we don’t like it as human beings, it’s a very sensitive area, and council and staff will get a lot of information about it, but it’s something we should be doing. properly.”
Mayor Ron Campbell said he regularly visits cemeteries and praised council staff for their ongoing work.
“They are very well cared for,” said Cr Campbell.
“I spent a lot of time in cemeteries in my past life years – digging graves and mowing lawns.
“They are very well maintained, as evidenced by the fact that we currently receive very few complaints about the cemeteries.
“I commend the council staff for that.”
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