Dead unlucky in Pakenham

By Melissa Meehan
PEOPLE are dying to get in, but spaces are limited.
It’s no secret that the Pakenham Cemetery is almost full and councillor Brett Owen says the matter is quite urgent.
He moved a motion on Monday night that council officers prepare a report regarding the acquisition of land for a second cemetery in Pakenham.
He asked that council officers look into discussions between council and the Pakenham Cemetery Trust about a new cemetery.
He said he wanted a detailed explanation of the council’s actions to date to acquire land, and an investigation of what land was available and suitable.
He also wanted to investigate the viability of buying land next to the present cemetery, and what government grants or other funding streams could assist the shire in buying the land.
The report is expected to be tabled at the February council meeting.
Cr Owen said there were many benefits to extending the present cemetery by buying next door.
“There wouldn’t be a need for two cemetery trusts, or two separate contracts for things like gardening and cleaning,” he said.
He also said the time to buy was now.
“It wouldn’t be silly to look at the rising property prices in the area,” he said.
“That kind of thing needs to be looked at.”
He said he was disappointed that local government had to lead the way in cemeteries.
“I can’t see any reason why the State Government doesn’t lead in this area,” he said.
“If the government can’t provide land for our death – it really frustrates me.”
Cr Owen said time was running out to ensure that a second cemetery in Pakenham could provide a service to its residents.