Gillian Hall slams Sunshine Coast Council over closed Caloundra Cemetery

The founder of a funeral group is dismayed over the closure of a Sunshine Coast cemetery, leaving no available burial sites in the region east of the Bruce Hwy.

Caloundra Cemetery has been closed to further adult burials after reaching its full capacity. Photo: Gillian Hill

A well-established Sunshine Coast cemetery has closed for burials, sparking concerns for families saying goodbye to their loved ones.

Caloundra Cemetery was closed to further adult burials in July this year after the site reached capacity.

The cemetery will still have ash interments.

Funerals Sunshine Coast Regions founder Gillian Hall took to social media, stating there was no active cemeteries remaining on the eastern side of the Bruce Hwy on the Sunshine Coast.

She claimed the decision was made without “authentic community engagement” and the closure raises concerns about accessibility and planning of burial sites across the Sunshine Coast.

Gillian Hill expressed her concerns for the region's cemeteries and grieving families who have to travel to visit the grave sites of their loved ones. Photo: Gillian Hill

“Cemeteries are essential public infrastructure, and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council has a responsibility to ensure they meet the needs of the communities they serve,” Ms Hall said in the post.

She said on Thursday the loss of “vital community infrastructure” was deeply concerning and disappointing.

“While I wasn’t completely shocked, given the limited communication from the council about the site’s future, I had hoped for more meaningful community consultation and engagement before such a significant decision was made,” she said.

She noted the lack of cemeteries on the eastern part of the region would burden grieving families who would have to travel “long” distances, particularly considering limited public transport.

Ms Hall said the emotional toll could become significant for families when their loved ones’ grave sites were far from their community.

“Funerals and burials reinforce our sense of belonging, and when burial sites are no longer local, it disrupts those ties and weakens community support,” Ms Hall said.

Funerals Sunshine Coast Regions founder Gillian Hall committed herself to cleaning the Caloundra Cemetery last week. Photo: Gillian Hall

Caloundra Cemetery. Photo: Lou O'Brien.

“In the long term, this diminishes the community’s ability to maintain a sense of place and continuity, which are important for collective wellbeing.”

Ms Hall said council’s decision-making processes, particularly in “sensitive matters” should prioritise “equity and ensure diverse voices are heard”.

She suggested council would still be able to look for sustainable solutions to extend the cemetery’s lifespan including reviewing surrounding land for expansions.

A Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman said about 2600 people were buried at the Caloundra Cemetery since its opening in 1910.

She listed eight other cemetery sites on the western part of the Sunshine Coast which were still open to burials of 18 that the council’s cemetery service team manage.

“Mooloolah and Beerwah Cemeteries are expected to serve the community for the next three to 10 years with Kulangoor Cemetery positioned to serve the community for the next 80-plus years,” the spokeswoman said.

Council opened community consultation on the Sunshine Coast Cemetery Plan 2019-2028 prior to it being adopted to in September, 2019, the spokeswoman said.

“We also sought feedback from councillors and stakeholders including funeral directors, religious leaders, Friends of Cemeteries and community groups,” she said.

“The plan provides strategic direction to guide the effective management of council’s cemetery network and ensure ongoing service excellence to the community.”

Council is investigating to find innovative technology, solutions and additional land for cemetery services for the southern Sunshine Coast with significant population growth anticipated in coming years.

Originally published as Gillian Hall slams Sunshine Coast Council over closed Caloundra Cemetery