New Graveyard Site: Council Seeks Landowners

A growing need for burial space prompts a local council's search for suitable land.

The Shire of [Name of Shire], facing a projected shortage of burial plots within the next five years, has launched a public appeal to landowners. The council is actively seeking suitable land for the development of a new graveyard site to meet the community's future needs. This initiative follows a comprehensive review of existing cemetery capacity and population growth projections.

The current cemetery, located at [Location of Current Cemetery], is nearing its capacity limit. This has sparked concerns among residents and prompted the council to proactively address the potential shortfall in burial space.

"We understand the sensitive nature of this issue," said Councillor [Councillor's Name], Chair of the Council's Planning Committee. "Securing a new site is crucial to ensuring that our community has access to dignified and respectful burial options for years to come."

Criteria for Suitable Land

The council has outlined specific criteria for potential sites, including:

• Accessibility: The land must be easily accessible via established roads and ideally located within a reasonable distance of the existing cemetery.
• Size: A minimum of [Number] acres is required to accommodate projected needs over the next 25-50 years. Flexibility in land size is welcomed.
• Topography: The land should be relatively level and suitable for grave digging and landscaping. Steep slopes or significant waterlogged areas are unsuitable.
• Environmental Considerations: The site must comply with all relevant environmental regulations and minimize disruption to existing flora and fauna. A thorough environmental impact assessment will be conducted on any proposed site.
• Zoning: The land must be zoned appropriately for cemetery development.

Landowners who believe their property meets these criteria are encouraged to contact the council for a confidential discussion. The council will cover all costs associated with the assessment of potential sites.

Community Consultation

The council understands the importance of community involvement and plans to hold public forums to discuss the proposal and address any concerns. Details regarding the dates and locations of these forums will be announced in the coming weeks. Residents are encouraged to check the Shire of [Name of Shire] website at [Website Address] for updates.

Potential Benefits for Landowners

Offering land for a new cemetery can be mutually beneficial. The council is willing to negotiate fair market value for the land and is committed to working closely with landowners throughout the process. The creation of a new cemetery can also enhance the overall value of surrounding properties.

Next Steps

The council is currently reviewing expressions of interest and anticipates making a decision on a suitable site within [Timeframe]. Further announcements will be made via the council's website and local media outlets.

Call to Action: If you are a landowner and believe you have a suitable property, please contact the Shire of [Name of Shire] at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] before [Date]. All inquiries will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.