Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon, left, and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspecting Ashford Cemetery recently.
Monday, 16 August 2021
VISITORS and mourners at Ashford Cemetery will soon have peace of mind knowing there is a clean functional amenities block on site, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall recently announcing an $82,611 State Government grant to install a new unisex toilet.
Mr Marshall said Ashford Cemetery was an important community asset which must be maintained to the highest level.
“Ashford Cemetery has been a special burial space for generations of local residents, providing family members a place to mourn and remember the lives of their loved ones,” Mr Marshall said.
“The existing amenities block has serviced visitors for 50 years, but after such a long period it has reached the end of its life.
“The cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs combined with community feedback has prompted council to seek funding to install a brand new toilet.
“Designed to be durable and accessible, the building will be built onsite from colorbond and be connected to mains water.
“A priority for this project has been the construction of a building that can be easily cleaned or fixed of vandalism.
“Each year the facilities will benefit hundreds of people including those attending funeral services and visiting grave sites, genealogy enthusiasts and council staff.
“There is nothing more upsetting than seeing a cemetery which is unmaintained. The departed deserve their final resting place to look like its cared for and loved, and I strongly support this project.”
Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon said council was pleased to be able to undertake the project on behalf of the Ashford community.
“I’m delighted to see a flurry of projects commencing in Ashford, which will provide widespread benefits to residents,” Cr Harmon said.
“This build will commencing in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“Council will be using a local construction company to complete the works.
“These projects are driving our local economy and council is pleased to be working with local businesses to complete the works.”