Posie policy poleaxed

By Liz Brooker
news@longreachleader.com.au

HUNDREDS of plastic flowers and trinkets adorning graves in the Longreach Lawn Cemetery have found reprieve after the shire council retracted their proposal to ban them.

Upon receipt of a number of public submissions on the ‘fresh flowers only’ policy, Longreach councillors, mayor Pat Tanks and chief executive officer Fred de Waard last Friday joined Parks and Gardens staff on tour of the cemetery where they were to consider all options before voting on the proposed legislation in chambers.

On the table had been a complete ban of plastic flowers, ornaments and vases, with the council notifying the public that changes would include issuing one standardised urn to cemetary visitors, to contain fresh flowers only.

The proposal had been proffered to solve safety problems caused by stray trinkets and plastic flowers encountered by cemetery groundskeepers during mowing.

During the field trip to the cemetery, councillors discussed various options such as drilling a hole next to each plaque for flowers and creating a special strip to house vases and graveside objects to negate hazards for staff who tend the lawn.

Once back in council chambers there was little discussion before the issue went to the vote and the fresh flower policy was binned.

Cr Tanks said passionate submissions received from the community helped council make a more informed decision.

"We have accepted that the people have spoken, so we are going to look at other options that will allow people to continue grieving in a manner they want.
"However, we do have to let the grounds staff carry out their job in a safe environment but I’m confident that what we come up with down the track will leave everyone happy."

During the councillors’ visit the safety of the undulating grassed area was also discussed. Cr Tanks said work would soon be undertaken to address any health and safety issues to try to prevent anyone visiting loved ones from falling over while in the grounds.