Ipswich City Council has unveiled its plan for new gardens, water features and pavilions to enhance the sanctity of its largest cemetery.
The draft Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery Master Plan has been released ahead of consideration for adoption by the Council at its 25 June Ordinary Meeting.
Mayor, Teresa Harding said the draft Master Plan is a vision that reflects strong community views that Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery in Willowbank should be enhanced as a distinguished memorial and gathering place while preserving its environmental essence.
“Ipswich cemeteries are sacred. They provide dignified spaces for grieving and healing while serving as shrines to our history and heritage – as Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery has done for the past 55 years,” Mayor Harding said.
“The draft Master Plan sets a clear direction for the long-term future of this major Ipswich landmark, which preserves 15,000 memorials over a 25-hectare site abutting a forest of protected Melaleuca irbyana trees.
“It is a detailed plan proposing new features improving the experience of those who are visiting, often when they are at their most vulnerable, by providing nature-bound spaces for quiet reflection.”
Mayor Harding said the draft Master Plan was built on collaboration. Council’s community and stakeholder engagement campaign reached more than 40,000 people and attracted 114 survey responses.
“We consulted with local industry experts, community groups and a wide variety of religious organisations in addition to the broader Ipswich Community,” she said.
“We know the cemetery is a place of deep importance to many people, and that maintenance challenges have in the past left the cemetery at times not meeting community expectations.
“Environmental challenges such as flooding natural to the site have caused issues, and council has worked to deliver this Master Plan to better meet the expectations of the community, preserving the cemetery’s role as a place of peace and reflection.
“This Master Plan will reinforce Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery’s amenity and accessibility, and council will continue to work with the cemetery managers to deliver a cemetery that is attractive, peaceful and well-maintained now and into the future,” said the Mayor.
Key concepts proposed include a new memorial garden incorporating improvements to the site’s dam area, a natural bush burial area featuring native trees, grasses and shrubs and a large timber pavilion for gathering.
Other proposed features include a reflective pond, shelters, bench seating, feature trees, arbours, accessibility paths, a new administration building, visitor amenities and more.
Swales, with bridges, coursing throughout the site to guide the flow of excess water during heavy rainfall are included in the plan.
The master plan is intended to outline the core elements proposed to be improved and expanded over time. The details of the design may be subject to change including in progressing elements to construction.
If adopted by Council, the improvements will be delivered subject to availability of funding.
Keep up to date with Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery Master Plan updates at Shapeyouripswich.com.au.
