The McGowan Labor Government has approved and funded the construction of a new $6.4 million mausoleum facility at Fremantle Cemetery as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.
It will be the second mausoleum at the cemetery and construction is expected to commence in 2022-23.
Mausoleums provide the community with the option for above ground entombment, a burial practice preferred by many in Perth's migrant communities.
The first mausoleum was constructed in Perth in 1995 in response to requests from the Perth Italian community, with facilities currently in place at Karrakatta, Fremantle, Midland and Guildford Cemeteries.
The first mausoleum was opened at Fremantle Cemetery in 2005 and has provided above ground entombment and cremation ash interment facilities to meet community demand but is now nearing capacity.
With up to 40 interments per year, the current facility at Fremantle Cemetery is expected to be at capacity within the next three to four years.
The new mausoleum will comprise 900 crypt and niche spaces.
As stated by Local Government Minister John Carey:
"Western Australia has a diverse, multicultural community and we need to ensure we continue to offer different burial options that meet the needs and demands of our community.
"The delivery of this mausoleum will allow families to continue practicing the tradition of above ground entombment, long into the future.
"Western Australia built its first mausoleum in 1995 in response to calls from the Italian community, and the McGowan Government continues to listen to the community by ensuring this burial practice remains available to the community."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"Fremantle has a strong migrant community and there continues to be a steady demand for mausoleum facilities.
"This new mausoleum will ensure that Fremantle Cemetery continues to provide a special place for families to honour their deceased family member in line with their traditions."
