Our Whitsunday Cemeteries Strategy - Shape our sacred spaces
Consultation results and next steps
We thank the community for having their say to shape our Whitsunday Cemeteries Strategy!
Whitsunday Regional Council is currently developing a Cemeteries Strategy and Masterplan for three cemeteries that are managed by Council. We sought feedback on desired improvements, values and future interment preferences..
Please view our consultation summary or detailed consultation report. Key feedback included:
- Respectful service and rural character are valued, with cultural and historical significance noted.
- Strong demand for a new cemetery or memorial site in Cannonvale/Airlie Beach.
- More diverse interment options wanted, including eco-burials, scatter gardens, vaults, and cultural memorials.
- Better landscaping and amenities like shade, seating, wayfinding signage, and peaceful garden spaces.
- Improved maintenance practices through better equipment, reduced mowing, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Greater access and engagement via maps, digital tools, community programs, and clearer planning info.
- More accessible information and engagement on cemetery planning.
Council Officers will consider the consultation report when developing Whitsunday Cemeteries Strategy, refining maintenance programs and delivery of future actions.
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Whitsunday Regional Council is currently developing a Cemeteries Strategy and Masterplan for three cemeteries that are managed by Council within the Whitsunday region. This study, which is being delivered with the assistance of outdoor spaces consultant, Xyst, will provide guidance for future planning and design.
Cemeteries play an important role in our society. They support our sense of community and reflect the history of local people and cultures that founded and influenced the Whitsunday region. They provide a place where family and friends can care for and mourn the loss of loved ones consistent with their culture and beliefs and reflect on the life shared with them.
Whitsunday Regional Council is inviting public input on their burial and cremation preferences. We appreciate your ideas and feedback and aim to incorporate these into the final report and any future planning and design for the cemeteries. These cemeteries include:
Bowen Cemetery- Collinsville Cemetery
- Proserpine Cemetery
While we acknowledge that there are other inactive Council-owned cemeteries across the region, this network capacity review and site analysis will focus on the three Council owned and managed open cemeteries, as listed above and shown on the map.
To have your say:
Complete the online survey (below) or complete a hard copy survey and drop off at Council Customer Service Centre.
The survey will be open until Sunday, 20 April 2025.
For more information, please contact Eykolina Benny at Xyst on eykolina@xyst.com.au or Whitsunday Regional Council on info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au or 1300 972 753.
