Updates have been made to the current Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy (POL 039) as part of a scheduled review and to incorporate recent amendments to the State Government's Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013.
At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 25 August, Council endorsed the draft Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy (POL 039) to go on public exhibition for a period of 28 days to allow for submissions from the public.
The changes apply to all cemeteries within the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area, including the Wagga Wagga Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium, the Monumental Cemetery, and the cemeteries located at Tarcutta, Humula, Uranquinty, and Currawarna.
Council's Director of Infrastructure Services Henry Pavitt said the amendments to the Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy are expected to make is easier for families to understand the process when organising a burial.
"Anyone who has gone through the process of burying a loved one knows it's a very tough time, so with the reviews to the Policy we are trying to make it as clear as possible the process around things like booking burials and installing monuments," Mr Pavitt said.
"The amendments to the policy also clarify Council's role in the management of the cemeteries within the LGA, the expectations for funeral directors and it provides guidelines on what can and cannot be placed on grave sites."
Mr Pavitt also said the changes to the Cemeteries Policy reflect the changing demographics of our community.
"Given there are more cultural groups that are accessing our cemetery services, we are ensuring we can accommodate the needs of residents of various nationalities and religions.
"For instance, we have a large Yazidi community that call Wagga home, who have their own cultural beliefs when it comes to a burial. We have been working with cultural groups and the funeral directors to make sure we can accommodate that."
The updated Policy features legislative references, incorporating the most recent Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulation 2022, Public Health Act, and related tools to ensure the policy reflects the current regulatory environment.
The draft Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy (POL 039) is currently on public exhibition until Monday 22 September 2025.
To view the draft document and make a submission visit our Have Your Say page.
