A master-planned cemetery on the Sunshine Coast will feature boardwalks, water features and reflection spaces as final resting places for residents are reimagined.
Sunshine Coast Council Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said the Kulangoor Cemetery Master Plan recognised that residents wanted cemeteries to be places for remembering and reflection, as well as offering choice and be welcoming to the community.
Cr Dickson said the aim of the plan was to reflect a modern approach for cemetery design.
He said it would provide spaces for funerals, memorials, burials and cremations as well as areas for reflection with walkways, gardens water features and seating.
“The cemetery design considers the current Kulangoor Cemetery’s amenity, landscape and capacity.
“It also develops a sustainable and innovative model for providing end-of-life care now and in the future.”
Cr Dickson said the Master Plan ensured up to 80 years of cemetery services to support the Sunshine Coast’s growing population and changing demographics.
He said the plan was based on a review which considered changing community expectations, contemporary approaches and inclusions such as enhanced placemaking, peaceful reflection areas and all ability access.
Divisional Councillor David Law said feedback was also gathered from the Community Reference Groups including funeral directors, celebrants, legal professionals, stonemasons, landscape designers and local business operators.
“The feedback showed that 75 percent of respondents believed the Master Plan should respond to the diversity of religious and spiritual beliefs practiced in our community today and into the future,” Cr Law said.
“A place connected to the environment and providing a lovely place for remembrance is highly important, with 81 percent of respondents wanting a boardwalk around the trees and water features.
“Community input also helped finalise the landscape design, with trees, shade, seats and water features being important inclusions, and 67 percent wanting interchangeable artwork within the cemetery.”
He said the Sunshine Coast Cemetery Plan provided a framework for meeting the future needs of Council’s 18 cemeteries, with Kulangoor Cemetery Master Plan prioritised due to the availability and suitability of land.
