It's Cairns' annual cemetery clean-up time

The Cairns community is being encouraged to visit the resting places of loved ones ahead of Council’s annual cemetery clean-ups and check that only approved memorial items remain.

Over time, a variety of items can accumulate at gravesites, many of which have been placed with care and good intentions.

To help keep cemeteries safe, respectful and well maintained for all visitors, Council asks that prohibited items be removed.

These items can become dislodged during high winds, create hazards for maintenance staff, obstruct drainage and, in some cases, make their way into nearby waterways and impact the surrounding environment.

Council will be carrying out clean-ups from Friday, 13 November, with works expected to take around a month.

Council will be removing prohibited items such as:

• plastic flowers that are damaged and not contained in an approved receptacle
• glass and breakable items including vases, ceramic pots and ornaments
• draped or flying flags
• lights (including solar or battery powered)
• alcohol or alcohol containers (full or empty)
• clothing, jewellery and accessories
• balloons, photo frames, candles or naked flames, windchimes, toys, furniture, statues or other ornaments
• anything with sharp edges, spikes or hooks
• potted plants

Families are encouraged to collect any valuable or sentimental items before 13 November, as removed items will not be stored or returned.

Council will not be removing white crosses that are in good condition and adequately secured.

For further information, visit Council’s Guidelines for Adornments and Memorials, or Council’s Cemetery Policy.