Battle on cremation business

A VALUER has argued the proposed crematorium in Townsville does not suit a “low- impact industry zone” and urged the council not to approve it.

Jennifer- lee Sinclair, a certified valuer for Opteon, objected to the crematorium planned for 1- 3 Railway Ave, Railway Estate.

Ms Sinclair, representing Railway Estate residents Graham and Ursula Simmonds, wrote to Townsville City Council that the “proposed ‘ high- impact industry’ development is not suitable to be located in a low- impact industry zone so close to existing residential housing”.

She outlined the crematorium would also be close to retail businesses, the CBD and the under- construction North Queensland Stadium.

“It is not the expectation of the community to have a development of this nature so close to the CBD and it is not consistent with council’s Strategic Framework for the Planning Scheme and ultimately clashes with its wider goals,” Ms Sinclair wrote.

“The CBD fringe of Townsville is the gateway to the city itself and … is not intended for a crematorium use.”

Ms Sinclair wrote she and her clients were concerned about the proposal’s environmental and social impacts.

“Smoke, odour, noise and dust from a crematorium facility are all legitimate concerns,” she wrote.

Ms Sinclair wrote there were other sites outside the CBD that “better” suited a crematorium.

“Traditionally facilities of this nature have been located outside of the urban footprint in outer- lying areas.”

Townsville Cremations lodged a development application with the council in July.

Co- owner Neville Boyle said the proposed crematorium would not stand out, with the stack being about 3m above the roofline. He said there would be no odour.