The purpose of the meeting organised by community group Friends of Cromwell Cemetery (FoCC) was to discuss and create some action points in the group’s effort to beautify the barren cemetery.
Mrs Alley was there to answer questions the group had about rabbit control, removal of pine trees and other issues that needed council input.
The subject of rabbit control was the most important to the group with previous attempts to approach council for funding for rabbit-proof fencing being unsuccessful.
The council had said it was not a necessity for rabbit fencing within current plans, the FoCC questioned that position as members were still noting rabbit activity as they monitored the cemetery.
The meeting concluded that rabbit control was an issue that needed addressing and the council needed a more comprehensive and effective rabbit control plan.
Mrs Alley was asked by the group to find out what the future council rabbit control plan was and to report back to the FoCC.
The rabbit fencing issue would be deferred until the council’s plan was reviewed and there was confirmation that developers and industrial landowners were required to provide fencing along the cemetery boundary of their properties.
Another issue of importance to the FoCC was pine tree removal, the roots of which had been damaging nearby graves.
The issue was discussed and eventually it was agreed the removal of pines should be expedited, going ahead before the installation of rabbit-proof fencing.
Mrs Alley said the group had her promise the council would do anything to help get things done.
With the issue of pine trees prioritised, the FoCC would begin work to create a proposal for tree felling, including the relevant health and safety, cleanup process and funding information.
Following the meeting, the group would set out to develop a clear picture of what the organisation wanted the cemetery to look like and a plan to reach the end goal, with regular progress updates published in newsletters.
