Don’t lose the plot: Ballina Shire Council to discuss new private burials policy

The draft policy sets a maximum of two bodies buried on a rural property, on one double depth gravesite or two adjoining single depth grave sites.

Ballina Shire Council will discuss the private burials draft policy on its May 27 meeting.

Private burials in the Ballina Shire will be strictly regulated under a new proposed policy.

Ballina Shire Council will discuss on Thursday a new policy that stipulates strict conditions on where and how private burials can be completed.

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.

It also sets a maximum of no more than two bodies buried in a rural property, on one double depth gravesite or two adjoining single depth grave sites.

Byron and Tweed councils already have a policy on private burials.

If two or more graves are intended in a property, in the case of a private family cemetery, a development application will be required.

The grave must be in land of no less than five hectares in size and above the one-in-a-hundred-year flood level.

The boundaries of the gravesite will have to be marked with concrete posts and fenced. A headstone will be mandatory, identifying the decease, date of birth and of death.

In regards to the burial, in order to gain council approval, the excavated gravesite will have to be inspected and approved by a council staff.

Bodies will be buried at a minimum of 900mm to the top of the coffin.

A licensed undertaker must supervise the burial.

Any variations sought from the policy will be able to be submitted to council’s general manager.

The fee proposed in the draft policy was $460, which included the administration costs, assessment and inspections of the proposed gravesite.

“Applicants must also understand, that considering all the requirements, they should not have an expectation that approval can be achieved within days of a death,” council documents stated in regards to the draft policy.

The policy draft was developed after reviewing the guidelines in place in Byron, Gwydir, Lismore, Bega and Tweed councils.

If approved, the draft policy will be exhibited for public comment.

Council will hold its monthly regular meeting on Thursday, May 27, from 9am at the council; s chambers. The meeting can be watched live online here.