Cemetery upgrade voted in

Hedland’s councillors have approved a $3.4 million revamp of the South Hedland Cemetery at an ordinary council meeting last Wednesday.

The master plan, prepared by Fremantle landscape architect UDLA, was amended and passed 8-0 on February 28.

The amendment included a modification of the memorial wall to allow for the interment of ashes, however the plan’s approval will allow the Town of Port Hedland to apply for funding.

The plan includes $30,420 of earthworks, $176, 820 in plants and soft landscaping, almost $100,000 in gates and fencing, $226,740 in irrigation and $376,000 of custom items, including an $80,000 laser-cut wildflower-themed entry gate.

“The concept … is to create a respectful, serene and comfortable environment which celebrates the unique Pilbara sense of place,” the report said.

The plan intends to improve ambience, increase shade, improve access, upgrade amenities and provide a sense of arrival, as well as expansion of site with a stage two planned worth $1.2 million giving an estimated 840 additional lots within 10 years.

The centrepiece of the plan is to install a new entrance to the cemetery on Flynn Place to replace the decommissioned old entrance on Great Northern Highway.