New aquamation pet crematorium proposed for Aeroglen

Concerns have been raised over a proposal to set up a new pet crematorium at a disused neighbourhood vet surgery but the applicant says there will be no flames or smell of burning fur.

CHENO Investments has applied to Cairns Regional Council to set up a pet crematorium at the old Boongarry Vet Surgery in Aeroglen. Picture: Google

Concerns have been raised over a proposal to set up a new pet crematorium at a disused Cairns neighbourhood vet surgery.

CHENO Investments submitted a request last week to change the former usage of the old Boongarry Vet Surgery to accommodate a new use for the building.

The site at 1 Aeroglen Dr is not located within a residential zone but rather is classed as a neighbourhood zone.

The proposed new use for the site triggers a higher degree of scrutiny known as an impact assessable development, meaning the applicant is required to notify the public.

CHENO Investments acquired the building on February 12 for $532,000 from the Cairns Veterinary Clinic Pty Ltd, following the closure of the surgery about two years ago.

Michael Chenoweth and Jacinta Currey act as directors for CHENO Investments.

The development application states the building would require modification and internal works before the cremation of pets.

Its proposed an alkaline hydrolysis technique also known as aquamation or water cremation would be used for cremations which is claimed in the application to be a technology that uses 90 per cent less energy and creates no emissions or greenhouse gases.

The process involves the pet being placed in a sealed stainless steel chamber filled with water and an alkaline solution, the chamber is heated which causes the alkaline solution to dissolve the pet, leaving a liquid effluent containing dissolved organic matter and bone fragments.

However, Aeroglen resident Jackie Wyatte was not convinced a cremation business was the right fit for the surrounding residential area.

“I am opposed to it, and there is a hall next door where they do kids programs and there is a sports field over the road,” she said.

“I just don’t think it’s suitable and I don’t want any more businesses in the area.”

Aquamation or water cremation involves the pet being placed in a sealed stainless steel chamber filled with water and an alkaline solution, the chamber is heated which causes the alkaline solution to dissolve the pet leaving a liquid effluent. Leftover bones can be crushed and returned to the owner in an urn. Picture: Supplied

But Mr Chenoweth said there would be no chimney, no odour or burning fur and the new technology was being adopted throughout the country.

“We think it is a great way to go,” he said.

“We will be eco-friendly and give people a nice experience when they are going through losing a pet.

“We are expecting 95 per cent of customers to be going through the vets but the very few people that come (to the address) we want them to feel a warm atmosphere and Aeroglen offers that.

“It’s such a beautiful community and when people know what it’s about I think they will be welcoming.”

The application to council states when the public notification period kicks off more information about the process and the business will be available.

Already operating in Cairns is the Cremation for Pets in Smithfield and Possum Ridge Pet Cremations in Mount Sheridan.

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Originally published as New aquamation pet crematorium proposed for Aeroglen