Natural Burials-trial to end- but further consultation just in case.

One of the intiatives I put forward to Council was the concept of natural burials- its a small but niche market and one that takes a little time to catch on. Some of the Councillors were not to keen on the idea but agreed to a trial. If anyone feels inspired to go along to this discussion the bereavement services manager is very good and quite funny.

Media Release

10 August 2012

Council to host natural burial information session

Shoalhaven City Council will be hosting a natural burial information session following the Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery’s two year trial into the practice.

There has been substantial community interest in natural burial, a practice that sees the deceased prepared without the use of embalming fluid or chemical preservatives.

The body is then placed in a biodegradable coffin and laid to rest in a shallow grave, allowing the process to mimic composting.

 

A trial ‘natural burial portion’ was established at the Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery following Council’s decision to implement a two year natural burial trial in October 2010.

Shoalhaven City Council Director of City Services and Operations, Bill Paterson said that with the two year trial period almost complete, Council will be reporting the outcomes back to Council in November.

“Throughout the two year trial period, Council’s Bereavement Services Unit have extensively engaged with both the local and wider community through a variety of workshops, information sessions and open days at the Memorial Gardens,” said Mr Paterson.

 “Despite a number of inquiries and strong support from cross sections of the community, there have been no requests for natural burial during the two year trial period.

“To assist in the preparation of the report back to Council and further gauge public opinion regarding this service, Council will be hosting a further information session regarding the provision of natural burials within the Shoalhaven.”

“This information session will provide local residents the opportunity to ask questions and receive further information about natural burials.”

“I would strongly recommend anyone interested in natural burials to attend the upcoming information session.”

The natural burial information session will be held at the Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery, Worrigee from 3pm on Wednesday 22 August.

CONTACT:  Director of City Services and Operations, Bill Paterson - 4429 3298