Additional security measures will be implemented at Bundaberg General Cemetery following ongoing incidents of vandalism and theft that has caused significant distress to grieving families.
Recent incidents have included the theft of personal items from gravesites- part of a series of repeated acts of vandalism over the past six months.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the behaviour was deeply upsetting and completely unacceptable.
“Families visit our cemeteries to remember and honour their loved ones,” she said
“They should be able to do so with dignity, peace and without fear that memorials will be damaged or treasured keepsakes stolen.
“The recent vandalism heartbreaking and we are taking a stand alongside these residents to say enough is enough.
“The Bundaberg Region community does not condone or accept these actions.
“Our thoughts are with the family affected and with everyone who has experienced distress as a result of these incidents.”
Mayor Blackburn said Council was taking the matter seriously and was committed to improving security across the cemetery.
“There is absolutely no place for this kind of behaviour in our community,” she said.
“Those responsible have shown a complete disregard for grieving families and for a place that should be treated with the utmost respect.
“We are acting to strengthen security and reduce opportunities for further vandalism while balancing the need to maintain respectful public access to this important community space.”
Council has implemented, or is progressing, a range of additional security measures including:
- Regular attendance and monitoring of the cemetery.
- Progressive site hardening measures, including the installation of lockable access points.
- Ongoing operational oversight by parks staff.
- Engagement of a commercial security consultant to assess site vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
- Targeted CCTV installation.
As part of continued safety measures, Bundaberg Regional Council also introduced after-hours gate access at Bundaberg General Cemetery late last year.
The Johnston St entry and exit gate is secured daily at 4.30 pm and reopened at 7.30 am, bringing it into line with the operating hours of all other cemetery gates.
Council encourages anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour within the cemetery to report it to the Queensland Police Service.
