The proposed works could yield up to 2000 plots, the council estimates. Image: Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.
Up to 2000 more cemetery plots could be coming to Queanbeyan, after the council endorsed major plans for an expansion and infrastructure upgrades.
In recent years, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) has been planning for a new cemetery and memorial park as its existing facilities near capacity.
In July 2025, councillors voted unanimously to abandon plans for their chosen site, which was set to be located south of Googong.
A report submitted to the council had estimated that more than $7 million would be needed for initial work to solve an issue with the site’s groundwater.
As a stopgap measure, the council is now set to investigate works to expand sections of Queanbeyan General Cemetery, on Lanyon Drive in Jerrabomberra.
The facility is expected to run out of space by 2028.
Councillor Bryce Wilson acknowledged community frustration surrounding the issue, describing this as an overdue step in expanding cemetery capacity.
“This should have come to council many moons ago. … We’re back where we are, but that is to get more plots so we can get much further out and then find another regional solution.
“We don’t want to be in a place, ever, where someone that’s lived their whole life in Queanbeyan isn’t able to be interned in the Queanbeyan area or wherever that may well be.”
Council meeting documents state the cemetery could accept an extra 1500 to 2000 plots.
The expansion would come with “significant” costs, but would extend its life until at least 2034.
Under the proposal, these works will include removing concrete kerb and guttering, completion of the gardenia garden mausoleums (including associated garden works), installation of concrete burial beams and the switch to a one-way road throughout the cemetery.
QPRC also plans to expand the existing Islamic section of the cemetery.
During the meeting, QPRC also endorsed consultation around the conversion of part of zone four into burial space, given the presence of benches with memorial plaques in that part of the cemetery.
This property, south of Googong, was initally flagged for a new memorial park until that plan was abandoned. Photo: Supplied.
Councillor Katrina Willis sought information on measures to make sure the changes wouldn’t limit visitors with a disability from navigating the cemetery.
“My concern there was about disability parking – where’s the closest carpark going to be if you change the road to single width?”
In response, a staff member confirmed accessibility requirements would form part of feasibility studies.
“That will be done when we review whether we can make it a one-way road or not.”
The plans also reveal a range of upgrades across the cemetery, such as improvements to storage spaces, renovation of the customer office, upgrades to the toilets (including accessibility measures), footpath repaving, removal of outdated signage and restoration of memorial furniture.
According to the meeting documents, the zone two and three expansion works are recommended to start immediately.
Meanwhile, allocation of money for studies into other parts of the proposal will be recommended for inclusion in the council’s 2026/27 Operational Plan and Delivery Program.
It’s estimated that they will have a $575,000 price tag.
