Council will continue to operate its crematorium and cemeteries following the outcomes of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
At last night's Council meeting, Councillors considered a report based on feedback provided by four bereavement industry organisations in response to the EOI process in October last year.
The EOI formed part of a business review of the commercial operation as per Council's Sustainable Financial Futures Plan to reduce expenses and increase revenue where possible.
Mayor Patricia White said that while the process provided useful insights into industry interest, the submissions did not show clear commercial or community benefits for Council at this time.
"This decision reflects the outcomes of the EOI and Council's commitment to ensuring continuity and quality of care," Cr White said.
"The responses received from industry made it clear that privatising the operation would not improve Council's financial sustainability or service outcomes for our community at this time."
Shoalhaven Bereavement Services is a division of Council and is responsible for seven cemeteries where new burials occur (active) and 13 cemeteries where interments are no longer conducted (inactive). The EOI applied to the seven active cemeteries:
Berry General Cemetery
Conjola Cemetery
Kangaroo Valley Cemetery
Nowra General Cemetery
Sandridge Cemetery
Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery in Worrigee which includes a cremation facility.
West Cambewarra Cemetery
The Bereavement Services team has been consulted throughout each stage of the process.
