Grave concerns for Sunshine Coast’s cemetery capacity as population grows
By Sonia Isaacs
WITH Sunshine Coast cemeteries nearing capacity, concerns are mounting over the future of key burial sites with Caloundra, Beerwah, and Mooloolah either full or at limited future capacity.
These southern coastal locations, are situated in regions forecasted for significant population growth, raising urgent questions about the sustainability of local burial services.
Last week, leading Sunshine Coast funeral service Gregson & Weight announced they had been advised Caloundra Cemetery would soon be ‘at capacity’.
Gregson & Weight’s general manager, Luke Gregson said Council had been in discussion with his company about the issue for around 12 months.
“I never thought I would see Caloundra Cemetery close to new burials, however after 114 years this has to be expected at some point as all cemeteries fill up eventually,” he said.
With the Sunshine Coast’s population expected to reach 400,000 by 2028, demand for interment services continues to grow, and in some cases exceed availability at the 18 Sunshine Coast Council managed cemeteries.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson confirmed land at Caloundra Cemetery was “reaching its capacity.”
They said since opening in 1910, approximately 2600 people had been buried at the cemetery.
“It is expected that Caloundra Cemetery will close to new burials in July 2024,” the spokesperson revealed.
They said while Caloundra
Cemetery would close to new adult burials, sites would be still available for ash interments.
The Sunshine Coast cemetery plan 2019-2028 highlights awareness of capacity shortfall concerns, identifying cemeteries at Beerburrum, Caloundra, Flaxton and Landsborough at having no further capacity (2024-2028).
The plan indicates Mooloolah cemetery falls under the ‘transitional’ category where capacity is limited and alternative solutions required.
The Council spokesperson said burial sites were still currently available at Beerwah, Crohamhurst (Peachester), Mooloolah and Witta cemeteries. They said Council managed Kulangoor Cemetery was positioned to serve the community for the next 80+ years.
“The proposed lifespan of the Mooloolah and Beerwah Cemeteries for new adult burials is expected to be between three to 10 years,” they said.
“Council continues to investigate land opportunities in the southern part of our region to support the future growth.
“With the ongoing planning of the cemetery network and the community choosing alternative options of interment, Council will continue to investigate options to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of our community.”
sonia@gcnews.com.au
