By CASEY NEILL
CEMETERIES in Springvale and Bangholme will share more than $43 million from the State Budget announced last week.
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) manages Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park.
CEO Jonathan Tribe said the projects would have positive employment and wider community benefits.
The trust approved a $41.7 million master plan for Bunurong two years ago that included new administration, chapel and function facilities, water features and park-like lawn areas.
The State Government allocated $36 million in its 2014-’15 Budget to the plan, in addition to a previous $2.8 million investment.
The project needs another $300,000 and is expected to be completed in late 2015.
The memorial park was established in 1995, spans 101 hectares and offers burial, cremation memorial and mausoleum options.
“These are significant investments focused on meeting the needs of our communities in future years,” Mr Tribe said.
“As well as the significant community benefits these magnificent properties present, they also facilitate important local employment opportunities.”
This budget included $7.6 million for the central precinct at Springvale, on top of $12 million allocated last financial year.
The $19.6 million project is expected to be completed by August and includes seven new function rooms, a café, administration building, enhanced client and employee amenities and a customer service facility.
“We have been delighted with the building progress which is well on track and my team is really looking forward to the move into the new facility,” Mr Tribe said.
The SMCT Perpetual Maintenance Reserve generated the funding for the projects. The reserve ensures funds are set aside for the trust to maintain the cemeteries under its care for future generations.
