‘A dying practice’: Readers agree with council’s decision on private burials

Councillors and readers have very interesting points on how the new policy will affect the future use of rural land, but all agreed it’s a good idea for council to have a policy on the matter.

Ballina Shire residents will soon be able to apply for private burials in rural land.

Ballina Shire residents will soon be able to apply for private burials on rural land.

Council approved a draft policy at its May 27 meeting that will allow private burials in the area.

The Public Health Regulation allows for the burying of a body — or more — in a grave or vault on private land holdings of more than five hectares, where this has been approved by council.

Until now, Ballina Shire Council did not have a policy on the matter.

The proposed burial policy restricts grave sites from being located within 100 metres from any adjoining residence as a reasonable distance with which to reduce any such impact on the current and future land use of adjoining properties.

The new policy stipulated strict conditions on where and how private burials can be completed plus a $460 fee.

Councillor Ben Smith said having the policy was a good idea.

“I don’t think anybody will be rushing to bury their loved one on their property, but I think it’s better to have the policy,” he said.

Councillor Keith Williams said he had the experience of being part of a private burial in the Byron Shire some years ago.

“It was a powerful experience for me, and it was motivated because that person had lived there a very long time and it was their wish to be buried there,” he said.

Councillor Eoin Johnston supported the policy.

“It’s a dying practice, excuse the pun,” he said.

Councillor Phillip Sheehan said he was concerned about restrictions being put on farming or rural land.

“While I understand the idea of allowing people to be buried in private land, I could not support the policy as is,” he said.

Ballina Shire Council approved a draft policy at their May 27 meeting that will allow private burials in rural properties.

Northern Star readers agreed with the policy on social media, but had some valid comments about it.

“It‘s nice to have a burial site on your own property, but what happens when you sell it?” said Gerardine Baker.

“Does that mean that the burial site has to be pulled up and moved? New owners would not want to deal with other people’s remains and that would mean that if they ever want to build on that site they couldn’t.

“It’s too tricky and there would have to be strict guidelines and rules by the council.”

Bruce Jones also agreed with the idea.

“Well, we better look at restricting the scattering of ashes. It’s a personal thing. As long as it is notified and added to the records, it should not matter,” he said.

The policy was carried by council, with all councillors voting in favour, except Councillor Sheehan.