The fence was installed to address concerns about vehicles accessing the cemetery and driving over unmarked graves. To prevent further damage, the Council is encouraging visitors, where possible, to park their cars at the entrance and walk into the cemetery.
Previously, a lightweight chain was placed across the driveway to restrict vehicle access, with an easy-to-unlatch mechanism. However, after receiving numerous complaints, particularly from elderly visitors who found it difficult to stop their cars and unlatch the chain, the Council has decided to remove the chain permanently.
While the chain has been removed, the Council strongly urges those who can walk to do so, and for those who must drive, to stay on the designated paths and avoid driving between the graves.
In addition to these changes, the Council is committing $20,000 this financial year to further improvements at the cemetery. This will include repainting the shelter, enhancing seating, trimming and removing some trees at the front of the cemetery, and installing new signage in the coming weeks. The existing permanent seating, which was in poor condition, has been removed.
Council is also exploring the option of providing stackable chairs stored in an accessible shed, allowing flexibility for setup during funerals and keeping the area tidy when not in use. However, some community members have expressed a preference for reinstalling permanent seating at a more comfortable height.
The Council is seeking feedback from the community on these proposed seating arrangements.
Submissions can be made via the Barunga West Council website at www.barungawest.sa.gov.au/community-information/community-consultation or can contact Council office directly. Submissions will be accepted until 5pm Tuesday 30 September 2024.