Details of community consultation about the crematorium and lawn cemetery's future will go before the August council meeting.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The community consultation came as Port Macquarie-Hastings Council entered into negotiations with organisations which registered an interest when the council tested the market over the Innes Gardens Memorial Park's potential sale or long-term lease.
More than half of online survey respondents expressed concern about a proposed sale or lease of the council-owned Innes Gardens Memorial Park Crematorium and Lawn Cemetery.
The council received 21 online submissions and one further written submission.
Some 13 of the online survey responses were concerned about the proposed sale or lease and eight expressed no objections.
The concerns included ensuring the protection of existing burial and cremation remains, the potential for increased funeral costs and ensuring continued operation as a crematorium and lawn cemetery.
The community consultation report said there would be no impact on existing remains if Innes Gardens Memorial Park was sold to another operator, while a sale was considered likely to increase competition in the local market ensuring downward pressure was kept on prices.
The report said the council would seek a binding commitment from any new operator as part of a contract of sale to ensure the facility continued to provide crematorium, lawn cemetery and memorialisation services.
The community consultation report also highlights emerging risks to the council in continuing to operate the facility.
The council will consider the negotiations with interested parties in the confidential section of its August meeting.
Tender Funerals Working Party convener Celia Kershaw earlier spoke out in the belief the crematorium and lawn cemetery should remain under the council's control.
She raised concerns including that privatisation would likely to lead to increased costs.
Mrs Kershaw also encouraged the community to take part in the community consultation.
Other matters on the council meeting agenda include the proposed primary airport access road intersection with the Oxley Highway, proposed borrowing for projects, the Port Macquarie New Year's eve fireworks and the Ocean Drive duplication project.
The meeting begins at 5.30pm on Wednesday, August 21 at the Burrawan Street council chambers.
What else is making news, sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.