Last chance: have your say on cemeteries strategy

Published on 31 January 2024

MidCoast Council’s Draft Cemeteries Strategy will close for feedback on Sunday 11 February.

“It’s the last chance for community feedback on the draft strategy, which has been on exhibition since 8 December,” said Council’s Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell.

The draft strategy was developed after community consultation in 2023, conducted by Locale Consulting.

MidCoast Council manages 34 cemeteries across the region. It’s important to plan to meet future demand from a growing and ageing population.

The draft strategy aims to ensure cemetery operations meet changing NSW regulatory requirements and provides consistency across the Manning, Great Lakes and Gloucester areas.

Locale consulted extensively with local community interest groups, the National Trust, Heritage and cemetery groups, Council staff and committees as part of the first consultation. 

The draft strategy identifies six principles to guide the future management of cemeteries across the MidCoast.

They are respect and care, heritage and history, environmental assets, accessible documentation, consistency and cultural understanding.

There are 30 recommendations for the future management of the cemeteries, with 10 of those prioritised.

Head to https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/cemeteries-strategy for more information on the project and please provide your feedback before consultation ends on Sunday 11 February.