PLANS to build another cemetery in Queanbeyan are a step closer with the state government giving the green light for land at Googong to be set aside for the project.

The NSW government has approved Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s (QPRC) planning proposal for the use of land at the corner of the intersection of Old Cooma Road and Burra Road near Googong, to be used as a memorial park and cemetery.

The proposed cemetery has been a contentious issue for some in the community, particularly for residents at the nearby Mt Campbell estate.

With only a few years capacity remaining on the current Queanbeyan Lawn Cemetery on Lanyon Drive, QPRC Mayor Tim Overall says a new site is needed to serve the city’s growing population.

“The Queanbeyan Lawn Cemetery is nearing capacity and we have to find a new site to provide for the future,” Mayor Overall says.

“As part of the approval process with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, we have conducted a number of studies on the property on Old Cooma Road, including flora and fauna, traffic, visual amenity, Aboriginal due diligence and heritage, geotechnical, and an extensive hydrology investigation over more than twelve months across 2019 and early
2020.

“These studies have all indicated the site will be suitable for a memorial park.”

QPRC will develop concept site designs and landscape plans which will be placed on public exhibition for the community to have their say.

Following this, council intends to lodge a development application for the Memorial Park in 2022.

The Southern Regional Planning Panel, will asses the DA and community members will be able to make comment during the notification period.