Feedback is being sought on the Shellharbour Cemetery’s draft masterplan. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour Cemetery is set for an upgrade, with community feedback sought for a revised masterplan promising better access and a new shelter — all while honouring the site’s rich heritage.
At its June meeting, Shellharbour City councillors endorsed the proposed changes to the revised Shellharbour Cemetery Masterplan and for it to be placed on public exhibition for community comment.
The updated 2021 masterplan aims to create an accessible, peaceful and welcoming space for all, with planned upgrades such as a new shelter location, better pathways, signage and landscaping — while preserving existing graves and significant features at the Shellharbour Road site.
Mayor Chris Homer said improvements were designed to meet the evolving needs of the growing community, incorporating insights from operational staff and heritage experts.
Cr Homer said it aimed to balance practical requirements with community expectations and heritage values.
“The updated masterplan aims to create a more accessible, tranquil, and welcoming environment for all visitors,” he said.
“It ensures the cemetery remains a sustainable and respectful space for future generations.”
Key features of the revised plan include a new location for the community shelter and improved operational facilities, designed to better serve visitors and improve day-to-day operations.
Burial layouts have been reconfigured to make more efficient use of space while allowing for easier maintenance access.
A key feature has been its heritage value, with heritage protections outlined in the Conservation Management Plan now being fully integrated.
Council’s revised masterplan follows the adoption of the original plan in 2021 and takes into account the release of updated geotechnical and heritage assessments that meant a shelter at the turning circle at the main entry into the cemetery was not likely to be approved.
During the council meeting, staff explained that the new masterplan identified alternative shelter locations within the cemetery that were more centrally located and had lower heritage significance.
Councillor Rob Petreski said he was involved with several community groups and organisations to look for improvements to the cemetery during the original masterplan, and supported the new changes.
“I was involved in community campaigns to have a shelter up,” he said.
“The first that I know of was in 2014, so it’s been over 10 years and it’s a long process and I understand that it does take some time, but it looks like our IP&R [Integrated Planning and Reporting] framework has that now.
“Everything’s lining up, so hopefully it won’t be too much longer and we’ll see a shelter up there, because it is important we keep our cemeteries and the resting place of our residents up to standard as our residents would expect.”
He congratulated council officers for building a shelter at the Albion Park Croome Road Cemetery.
“That has been very well received and all the feedback I’ve had from the community is that they all enjoy that,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to something of a similar nature in Shellharbour.”
Cr Homer said importantly, none of the proposed changes reduced public amenities.
He said instead, they offered better access for visitors, and new opportunities for commemoration and reflection.
“This plan is about ensuring Shellharbour Cemetery continues to serve our community with dignity, while also respecting the cultural and environmental significance of the site,” Cr Homer said.
All proposed works are to be delivered in stages as funding allows.
The plan underscores council’s commitment to delivering dignified, inclusive and high-quality public spaces.
View the draft Shellharbour Cemetery Masterplan and provide feedback via council’s website or in person at council’s customer service centre and libraries before 29 July. To learn more or make a submission, visit council’s Let’s Chat page.
