Rockhampton Regional Council has begun the next stage of improvements at the historic South Rockhampton Cemetery, undertaking vital works to protect the site's heritage, improve visitor access and create additional burial spaces for the future.
Stage two of the project to prepare the cemetery for its eventual return to active use commences this week, creating new internal road access, drainage and landscaping as well as additional burial infrastructure at the heritage‑listed site.
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the South Rockhampton Cemetery in Allenstown held a special place in the heart of residents with thousands of men, women and children laid to rest there.
"These souls from all walks of life helped create the region we all love today, with the earliest burial registered there from 1862," Cr Rutherford said.
"The cemetery was closed in 1993 and heritage listed at that time.
"Last year's works delivered significant drainage and landscaping upgrades, enabling the restoration of land that had long been unsuitable for burials, and protecting graves from erosion.
The improvements include the construction of new internal roads, new concrete grave beams, upgraded drainage infrastructure, landscaping and irrigation works, and preparation of a pad for a future columbarium, to house and display memorial ashes.
"All works will address heritage conservation as a priority, with a strong focus on cultural and environmental controls and the protection of significant trees within the site," said Cr Rutherford.
"While we do not anticipate reopening the cemetery for burials in the short term, it is important that we take steps now to allow burials to occur in future years."
Works are scheduled to commence at South Rockhampton Cemetery this week, with completion anticipated by the end of June.
The cemetery will remain accessible for the duration of the works; however entry will only be via Prospect Street. Ferguson Street access will be closed to the public.
Council urges motorists and visitors to take extra care around the site and to adhere to all safety signage, with increased construction traffic expected.
