Land prices threaten eternal rest

By Melissa Grant
GRAVE sites at the Pakenham Cemetery are fast running out, reigniting a search for a second burial site in the shire’s growth corridor.
Cardinia Shire Council is looking to recommence discussions with members of the Pakenham Cemetery Trust, with fears that plots could run out in as few as three years.
Pakenham trust secretary-administrator Fran Barratt said there was a desperate need for a second cemetery in the town.
“As burials continue at the cemetery, we’re running out of room,” she said.
“We’ve got about three to five years until we run out.”
Last year, the council resolved to discontinue an unused road to create additional space for the cemetery on Thewlis Road.
But the short-term solution was just that.
Councillor Brett Owen said now the council had to actively assist the cemetery trust to find more land.
“I want to ensure the council continues discussions with the cemetery trust as land is running out there,” he said.
“Time is running out – we can’t rely on this land being adequate.”
Ms Barratt said she believed the trust had been searching for another site for more than a decade.
“I’ve been here three years, but I think the trust has been looking for about 12,” she said.
Ms Barratt said the trust had struggled to find land that was suitable and affordable to establish another cemetery.
Cr Owen said the new cemetery had to be in the vicinity of Pakenham – but land was at a premium.
“Anywhere in the growth corridor is very expensive,” he said.
“Land is not getting any cheaper.”
Cr Owen said no government grants were available to help with the establishment of new cemeteries.
He said it was likely that the council would have to fund a new burial site with the trust eventually paying the money back.