sala4D has recently completed masterplans for Yass Valley Council’s seven cemeteries, with each cemetery being unique and representing its own challenges.
For example, Yass Lawn Cemetery needed to plan for expansion, with the requirement to address circulation as well as the changing demands of the industry.
Conversely, other cemeteries such as Murrumbateman Bush Cemetery, Gundaroo Cemetery and Bookham Cemetery all have Environmental Protection Zones, so there was a careful balance between catering for future expansion while ensuring endangered flora and fauna are protected.
Yass Old Cemetery is of significant historical importance having State Heritage listed items and a dedicated Aboriginal cemetery. Master planning for the site needed to be respectful of its historical nature and plan for the conservation of its heritage items.
In conjunction with the masterplans, sala4D also produced a Management Plan for the cemeteries. The Management Plan ensures not only compliance for the cemeteries’ operation under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW), but also the more recent and onerous Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulation 2022 (NSW).
An exhaustive manual for Council staff was developed, providing them with procedural and operational guidance in any dealings with their cemeteries, and thus giving Council peace of mind that it is now fulfilling its obligations under the Regulation.
