Rural Cemeteries Meeting Set for Next Week

A meeting with village association representatives is being held next week to discuss the future of the rural cemeteries across the Bathurst local government area. 

Mayor Cr Robert Taylor said the meeting was called in response to the concerns of many in the community about the future operation of the cemeteries after Council had to temporarily suspend further reservations for burials at the Region’s six active rural cemeteries as a result of changes to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act.   

“We know Council’s decision to place a temporary suspension for new burial reservations within the six active cemeteries across the Bathurst Region has been difficult for many. It was a difficult decision for Council to make, but one that was a direct result of changes in legislation, requiring Council to become a Cemetery Operator with no previous operational involvement in the management of rural cemeteries and no resources to meet the extensive management and compliance requirements that have been imposed by the NSW Government. Council currently does not have the financial ability to meet the regulatory management requirements. 

“It is important that representatives from each of the village associations are in attendance at next week’s meeting. I urge any of the associations that have not been in touch to confirm their attendance, to please do so this week.  

“The meeting will provide an update on Council's recently adopted position in respect to the future operations and management of its rural cemeteries, the funding concerns that are affecting these operations, as well as provide opportunity for feedback from village groups that have extensive history of their village cemeteries, ” Cr Taylor said.  

Invitations and an agenda have been sent to the various Village Associations, each of whom are requested to send two representatives to attend the meeting being held on Tuesday 19 August at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre from 2pm to 4pm.     

Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer  

P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au