Grave stand could be overturned
A CONTROVERSIAL policy that prevented an Ipswich man from buying a grave site next to his wife's grave may soon be overturned.
Ipswich
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THE Somerset Regional Council's controversial cemetery policy may soon be overturned.
Councillor Neil Zabel brought the issue up at last week's council meeting, citing the negative publicity the policy had brought.
Cr Zabel said the policy needed to be re-examined.
"I believe we need to have a look at it," he said.
"I'm not saying which way I'll vote, but we have to look at it."
Cr Zabel said he was hopeful the issue might be addressed at the next council meeting.
"Some of the councillors were receptive to changes.
"There are definitely some concerns."
Current council policy dictates that grave sites may not be reserved or purchased.
Retiree Ken Stark attempted to purchase a grave site in the Lowood General Cemetery next to his wife following her passing last month, but his request was denied due to the council's policy.
Mr Stark, who now lives in Ipswich, said his own family and his wife's family had long histories in the Lowood region and had a large number of family members interred there.
Mr Stark said the Lowood General Cemetery, one of two in the town, remained relatively empty with large amounts of space remaining available.
"It is not that the cemetery is running out of room," he said.
"There are acres of space vacant with a few graves in two areas."
Council CEO Robert Bain said the policy had been established after disputes among families.
Mr Bain said people would reserve a plot only to be buried somewhere else after passing away.
"It caused a lot of angst," he said.
"People wouldn't take up their reserve, and then heirs felt they could use it and there were disputes."
Mr Bain said he did not believe it was feasible for the council to then reacquire gravesites that had not been used.
"How do I compulsorily acquire something from someone who is dead?" he said.
Jenny Stark passed away due to a brain tumour in early August.
Mrs Stark had been named the Ipswich Senior Citizen of the Year for 2011 earlier in the year.
A former chemistry researcher and tutor at the University of Queensland, Mrs Stark spent much of her life educating youth and was a longtime member of the Girl's Brigade.
Somerset Regional Council will next meet on Wednesday, September 14.
Originally published as Grave stand could be overturned