New cemetery planned

Koah most likely site for Kuranda facility

A NEW site for people in Kuranda and surrounding communities to lay their loved ones to rest has been proposed at Koah.

With only about 30 plots remaining, the Kuranda Cemetery is expected to reach capacity within 12-18 months.

Due to environmental constraints Mareeba Shire Council is unable to extend the capacity of the existing 2.1 hec- tare site, which is located off the Kennedy Highway.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said several sites had been considered for a new cemetery, including the existing facility and park reserves.

However, the only suitable and feasible location for the new Kuranda Cemetery was in Koah.

The proposed site is 15.3 hectares and has the potential to provide for the long term needs of the community.

“Although this isn’t in Kuranda itself, we have exhausted all other options and this option is the only site deemed suitable for a new cemetery,” Mr Gilmore said.

“We need to plan for the long-term.

“This site is much larger than the current cemetery and if viable will service the community well into the future.” A council report outlined that two small parcels of land reserved for cemetery purposes, which are located adjacent to the Kennedy Highway and Rob Veivers Drive, were deemed not suitable for the new Kuranda Cemetery.

This is due to the steep access grades, high potential for flooding and tree coverage, and the proportion of land.

The potentially high cost of developing the reserve, coupled with the limited space available for its intended use also removed its feasibility for burials.

Council is expected to formally decide on the proposed Koah site later this year.

“Council will undertake further investigation to determine the viability of the site located opposite the Koah service station off the Kennedy Highway as a new cemetery to service Kuranda and surrounding communities,” Mr Gilmore said.

Council officers will then invite quotes for the development of concept plans and cost estimates to confirm the long term suitability and capacity of the proposed location.