Cemeteries Bylaw Review

The Cemeteries Bylaw 2014 outlines important regulations for the operation and management of cemeteries in our district. This bylaw is required to be reviewed every 10 years to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community.

We have made a number of minor amendments relating to spelling, terminology and grammatical errors. There have also been some more significant changes proposed that are briefly outlined below.

• Definition: Change of burial to Interment: Wording of Interment covers both burial of full body or cremation where burial just refers to the body.
• Clause 6.5: New clause added to allow for interments that fall outside of the current bylaws standards which relates to a traditionally western burial. These exemptions can be granted by an Authorised Officer on a case-by-case basis.
• Clause 7.1: Partial deletion of clause that allowed for requests for a person to partially fill the graves of cremated remains.
• Clause 7.4: New clause created for health and safety purposes surrounding deep open graves.
• Clause 7.5: Addition of a clause requiring a funeral director to be present at all interments as they ensure the health and safety of all attendees.

The Local Government Act requires that when Council makes an amendment to the bylaw, it must allow for consultation with any person who is impacted or interested in the amendment.

We encourage you to present your views and have them heard and considered on any aspect of the bylaw.