Shire of Carnarvon aiming to rectify ‘unintentional’ impact to burial sites at Pioneer Heritage Cemetery

In the wake of unintentional impacts to burial sites, the Shire of Carnarvon has made changes to its annual budget to address improvements to the site of the Pioneer Heritage Cemetery. Since at least 1880, the cemetery has been the resting place of some of the town’s most notable personalities who pioneered the development of the town, and the pastoral industry in the Gascoyne. However, the shire issued a statement saying works at the cemetery had affected burial sites. “It has come to our attention that previous works undertaken at the site, by former administration and engineering staff, unintentionally impacted burial sites,” the statement read. “This was never the intention, and the shire deeply regrets that this occurred. “We acknowledge the significance of this matter and are committed to taking every measure to ensure such incidents do not happen again.” While the shire did not comment on the specific works that took place, reports indicated works at the site in 2021, including a road, was laid over a number of burial sites. According to the shire, the site holds significant cultural and historical relevance, including the diversity within the town with Chinese, Afghan, and Aboriginal people all buried within the area. As it aimed to rectify the situation, the shire allocated funding to install a protective fence, reinstate signage and a welcome statement, and removing the road covering the sites and restoring the area. The council’s statement said further improvements were planned for the space, but additional funding would be needed which it was exploring. The shire said it remained dedicated to preserving history and would continue to liaise with community leaders moving forward. “These actions reflect a firm commitment from the council to improve the site and properly honour those laid to rest there,” the statement read. Anyone looking to contribute insights is asked to contact chief executive Mandy Dexter on 9941 0050 or via email dexter.a@carnarvon.wa.gov.au