Published on Tuesday, 27 April 2021 at 3:22:46 PM
Stage one works at the South Hedland Cemetery will commence from Tuesday, 27 April, with temporary fencing being installed. This work is set to deliver on long held community sentiment to secure the longevity of the South Hedland Cemetery site.
In September 2020, Council awarded a building and landscaping tender to Yurra for the amount of $659,754.93 (Ex GST) to help achieve the vision for an improved and expanded South Hedland Cemetery.
Operational since the end of 1968 and one of two cemeteries in the LGA, The South Hedland Cemetery is managed by the Town of Port Hedland and is bound by the Great Northern Highway and the Kingsford Smith Business Park. Located 12kms from Port Hedland and 3km from South Hedland, a new entrance is located on Flynn Place due to the old entrance on Great Northern Highway being decommissioned.
The Town is committed to improving the Cemetery’s current state to increase visitors’ comfort, create a more amenable place for quiet contemplation and to memorialise those buried at the site.
Mayor Peter Cater said the masterplan provided the Town with a costed plan for the Cemetery’s expansion, integrating the existing site and providing for the future needs of the community.
“The concept for the South Hedland Cemetery Masterplan is to create a respectful, serene and comfortable environment which celebrates the unique Pilbara sense of place. The design responds to the needs of the community, minimal maintenance requirements of the Town of Port Hedland and the harsh environmental conditions of the site.
“The first stage of works will include the demolishing of toilets and building of new equal access toilets.
“Vehicle access to the site will be limited to funeral cars only with the inclusion of entrance gates. The introduction of a gravel ring road with parking and pedestrian access, together with upgrades to internal roads and the path system, will improve accessibility to the Cemetery. This will also assist with pedestrian access to plots.
“Seating areas throughout the Cemetery will allow visitors to rest and reflect on those interred. Landscape treatments and the opportunity to seed with iconic local flora species will create a cohesive and harmonious space requiring minimal maintenance.
“The proposed landscape planting aims to provide shade, soften the space, define the site and screen the cemetery from the adjacent business car park. Planting at the carpark entry will create a sense of arrival to the Cemetery. The entrance will include a sculptural structure to serve both as an entry statement and gathering area for funeral proceedings.
“The masterplan’s objective is to provide the community with a site that gives visitors a sense of peace and serenity, together with providing a seamless merging of the old and newer Cemetery areas, taking into consideration our diverse religions and cultures in the community.
“While works are ongoing, I urge all residents to please obey signage and workers in the area, and be mindful of heavy machinery and do not walk into restricted areas.
“The contactors have been informed of the May funeral bookings and will be standing down during the burials.”
Above: Town of Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Corporate Affairs
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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