Deputy Mayor, Cr Leigh Dunscombe, has explained why Councillors unanimously voted against the latest Kinglake Cemetery proposal to be put to Murrindindi Shire Council.

“I would like to make it absolutely and unambiguously clear that I do not oppose a cemetery for the Kinglake Ranges and I am abundantly aware and accept that there is a community consensus about the desire and the need for a facility of this type,” Cr Dunscombe said.

“I am also aware that a plot of land has been set aside for this purpose for 100 or so years and I am fully aware of the difficulties and obstacles associated with the use of that particular plot of land for this purpose. That plot of land however is not the subject of this proposal.”

The meeting had heard about a proposal for 265 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake Central.

“My opposition is not about the establishment of a cemetery, nor the potential for a crematorium for that matter, I do not necessarily even object to the proposed new location,” Cr Dunscombe said.

“My opposition rests wholly and solely with the level of community consultation, the lack of detail and the reluctance of the committee to engage with the community in an open and honest manner or indeed to consider alternative ideas.

“In fact, this proposal isn’t even about the establishment of a cemetery.

“It’s about removing the communities right to have a say, to make an informed decision or even to object.

“It’s about declaring a pristine piece of public land in the Frank Thomson Reserve precinct as suitable for nothing else but a cemetery/crematorium in perpetuity and removing the communities right to object, consider alternative uses or even be consulted.

“The proponents wouldn’t even be required to submit design plans for community perusal or comment, and that is the crux of this proposal and the source of my opposition.

“The only impediment to the establishment of a cemetery on this site right now is the requirement to apply for a permit, submit design plans for public display and for Council to consider the submissions that is informed community consultation.

“Now I am aware there have been many letters of support (for a cemetery) submitted tonight, I get that and I support the establishment of a cemetery in Kinglake as well.

“What I don’t accept is that these letters of support have been submitted with adequate knowledge or understanding of the proposal that is before us tonight.

“I know they have been written without proper consideration of the design plans – because they are not available.

“I know that many do not realise the significance of the proposed site and its proximity to Frank Thomson Reserve.

“I know that many have not considered the potential for the establishment of a crematorium in the future (although I accept that this is highly unlikely).

“I know that many have not considered potential alternative and perhaps better uses for the site.

“I know that they have not considered alternative sites, because none have been offered and I know that many people object who have not and will not be given the opportunity to be heard if this current proposal were to go ahead.

“We rejected this proposal the last time it came before us with a clear message to the committee about our desire for proper open and honest community consultation.

“I live in Kinglake and I have seen none. No community meetings or forums, no notices on community websites or Facebook pages, no public notices in print media or on radio.

“I didn’t even see a survey in any shops or public locations. “A questionable committee selection process and some generic letters of support for a cemetery based on incomplete and obscure questions does not – in my mind – qualify as open and honest community consultation, and as such I cannot in all good conscience support this proposal.”

Maureen Jackson Planning, acting for the Kinglake Cemetery Trust, said that the the justification for the amendment was broadly as follows:

• The parcel of Crown land is appropriate for the proposed use and development as a cemetery being predominantly cleared of trees, close to townships, and able to service Kinglake and surrounding neighbourhoods within the municipality.
• The land is not proposed to be used as a crematorium.
• The land has been reserved in accordance with the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 for cemetery purposes and declared a public cemetery by the Governor in Council under the Cemeteries andCrematoria Act 2003, to be managed by the Kinglake Ranges Cemetery Trust by Order in Council , March 10, 2016.
• Crown Allotment 2022, Parish of Kinglake is retained as Public Use 7- Other and can be used for community purposes as required.
• A 4.0hectare parcel of Crown land located at 825 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road had been set aside for the purpose of a cemetery in 1889, however is considered unsuitable for development of a cemetery.

This land is zoned Farming, is heavily vegetated and requires several approvals for removal of vegetation and other earth works.

• The amendment will meet the needs of the community in the most cost effective and least intrusive environmental manner.
• Evidence of community support is included in the form of individual petitions from the surrounding area and is attached to this report and includes approximately 166-168 signatures of support.
• The proposal is supported by the State and Local Planning Frameworks of the Murrindindi Planning Scheme and is consistent with the recommendations for planning in the area, Maureen Jackson Planning said.