Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries

Council considered a report on 17 July 2024 regarding the operation of the cemeteries in the villages in the local government area (LGA). 

Under the Cemetery and Crematoria Act and regulation, Council will now be considered as the cemetery operator for the rural cemeteries that remain open. This has passed on several mandatory regulatory requirements onto Council. Council has never provided the resources to manage or maintain rural cemeteries other than Georges Plains General Cemetery which Evans Shire Council purchased prior the amalgamation with Bathurst City Council.  The report also detailed the State Government’s decision to introduce the NSW Cemetery Internment Levy and the impact of this on the operation of the rural cemeteries. 

Most rural cemeteries within the Bathurst Region were originally established on private land owned and managed by church groups under trust arrangement and or the state government on crown lands.  

Council does not have any formal burial records or layout plans from any of its rural cemeteries.  Due to the age of these cemeteries, it has been identified that there are a significant amount of burials that are not able to be located because memorialisations or other surface markers no longer exist.  This poses significant concerns identifying opportunities for new grave plot reservations.  

From 1 October 2024 when changes to the Act and regulations come into force, Council will not be compliant with many of the regulatory requirements now placed on it. 

There are six rural cemeteries in the LGA where Council is responsible for burial reservation applications. These are 

• Georges Plains Cemetery
• Rockley General Cemetery
• Sofala General Cemetery
• Hill End Tambaroora General Cemetery
• Peel General Cemetery
• Trunkey Creek Cemetery

As a result Council made a number of decisions regarding the six rural cemeteries at its Ordinary meeting held 17 July 2024. 

They are:

• Commence consultation with village groups concerning the recommended closure of selected rural cemeteries within the Bathurst Region for future reservations,
• To temporarily suspend further new reservations at the rural cemeteries until Council determines an outcome following public consultation,  
• Report back to Council following public consultation 

It is important to note the cemeteries are not being closed with no access by the community. What is being impacted is future grave plot reservations. 

All existing burial reservations made at the rural cemeteries will remain. They are not impacted by the Council decision. 

The Council report can be read at Council Meetings as part of the 17 July Council meeting agenda.  

Council has not finalised the timeline for consultation with the villages, but it is expected to occur later this year. 

Should you wish to hire Council facilities or request a street banner to be displayed please fill out the appropriate form below and return to Council's Parks and Recreation Section, Civic Centre, 158 Russell Street, Bathurst or contact contact Council's Recreation Section on (02) 6333 6285 to check availability.

 

Council has endorsed alcohol-free areas of Machattie Park, Kings Parade and Macquarie River Bicentennial Park.  Council has adopted an alcohol-free area exemption policy which outlines the process in gaining exemption to the twenty-four hour alcohol-free area for specific events.

 

The exemption will apply to special, irregular occasions including community events such as festivals or gatherings and small private events such as weddings or other family celebrations.

 

A fee will apply to each exemption application. The fee and completed permit application must be validated by Bathurst Regional Council prior to each event.

 

A copy of the policy and exemption permit is available below or by calling into Council offices at the corner of Russell and William Streets. Forms are also available at the Visitor Information Centre.