Riverside Cemetery in Queanbeyan will be the focus of a renewed conservation push. Photos: Thomas Lucraft.
A southern NSW council will push ahead with a conservation plan for a “vulnerable and progressively deteriorating” cemetery.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) has accepted a report into the condition of Riverside Cemetery in Queanbeyan.
Established in the 1840s, the site has been largely closed to new burials since the 1990s.
In recent years, ongoing issues around vandalism, soil erosion and age-related damage to headstones have raised community concerns about how best to care for it.
In July, QPRC agreed to release a condition report for public feedback, as it developed a wider conservation plan to safeguard the cemetery’s future.
Meeting documents state that QPRC received “general support” for the conservation management plan, which would draw from a condition report.
The consultation centred on a report, released in July, that took an in-depth look at Riverside Cemetery’s condition.
Prepared by Artefact Heritage and Environment for the council, it found there was “widespread deterioration” across the site.
Many monuments are described as being in poor condition, with sandstone and concrete headstones showing discolouration, cracking and weathering.
“The condition assessment has identified that the cemetery is in a vulnerable and progressively deteriorating state,” it says.
“While a proportion of monuments remain in good to fair condition, a significant number are in poor to failed condition.
“The primary issues identified include structural instability, material deterioration, subsidence, biological growth, corrosion of iron elements, and the ongoing effects of flooding and erosion associated with the site’s riverside location.”
It also identified issues with moisture retention and plant overgrowth.
The report’s authors also suggest increasing the “community presence” at Riverside Cemetery would help deter vandalism.
“These strategies are aimed at encouraging community pride and ownership of the cemetery and would result in increased passive surveillance,” the report states.
Light sensors, CCTV and regular council patrols are also suggested.
It’s hoped a new conservation policy will revitalise Riverside Cemetery, which is facing “widespread deterioration”.
In their feedback, staff note calls for limited intervention at the historic cemetery.
“Submitters also emphasised improved security and vandalism prevention, clearer signage and wayfinding, better documentation and accessibility of grave information, careful management of vegetation and floodplain-related environmental conditions, and the importance of recognising, protecting, and promoting the cemetery as a place of high historical and heritage significance.
“Several submissions also supported continued community involvement and partnerships in the cemetery’s long-term care.”
But the submissions also took aim at a perceived lack of action to prevent damage to the cemetery.
One person suggested transcribing the headstones to prevent the Capital region’s early history from being lost forever.
“I am amazed that the NCA [National Capital Authority] has not committed to funding or helping the council on this; after all, it is the early burial place for the nation’s capital,” they wrote.
Riverside Cemetery is the region’s oldest official cemetery.
The report notes it was founded to replace the Oaks Burial Ground Cemetery. It was also Canberra’s only cemetery until another opened in Woden in 1935.
“Maintenance is essential to protect the monuments from accelerated decay, greater future costs and the loss of significant fabric,” the report states.
A conservation management plan is being prepared and is expected to be presented to councillors at a date to be set.
