City’s funeral services receive planning boost
Date published: 2 December 2015
Townsville’s funeral services are set to become more competitive with a proposal for a new operation in the city receiving planning support.
The council’s Planning and Development Committee today endorsed a planning report recommendation to approve an application from Oceanview Funeral Services to expand its operations at Hugh Ryan Drive, Garbutt, to include a small scale crematorium.
Committee chairman Cr Tony Parsons said the proposal would provide added competition in the funeral services market.
"This is a very good proposal that will include a second, very small crematorium in the city and provide greater choices for Townsville residents," Cr Parsons said.
"It’s important that as Townsville grows, essential areas such as funeral services are expanding to meet the needs of our local community.
"One of the big attractions of this proposed facility is that it will be located centrally within a medium impact industry zone, well away from residential areas.
"The size of the crematorium is also extremely small at 82sq m, and will be fully automated with no emission issues."
Today’s report recommends approval of a fresh development application that covers both the existing funeral parlour and mortuary operations, and the crematorium which will be housed in a separate 82sq m building.
Today’s recommendation will go the full council meeting on December 16 for final consideration.
