Council call for fence to safeguard cemetery

Date: Monday, 12th October 2009

The Townsville City Council is demanding the State Government build a fence to separate residents at the Happy Valley camp from the Belgian Gardens Cemetery.

The Townsville Cemetery Trust chairman Cr Brian Hewett said the Government had a responsibility to ensure the campers stayed off the cemetery property.

“I am particularly concerned about the danger from unregistered cars being driven through the cemetery, and like the rest of the community I find it unacceptable that people are defecating on graves,” Cr Hewett said.

“The State Government set up Happy Valley with the support of the council and the cemetery trust, but on the basis it would manage impacts on the community.

“Problems are arising because camping is now occurring on the eastern side of Jimmy’s Lookout, which includes the oldest part of the cemetery.

“A representative of the Department of Community Services and Housing met with us today and asked that the camping be allowed to continue.

“We gave the State Government a very clear message that we don’t have a problem with camping at Happy Valley, but there must be a fence and the graves must be respected.

“I am writing to the Department today asking for a formal commitment to build a fence and to better manage behaviour at Happy Valley.

“Representatives of the police service also attended today’s meeting and expressed support for the trust’s approach.”