Placing unopened beer cans at graves may be banned at seven cemeteries in the South East region.
Such tributes are commonplace at cemeteries such as Millicent but Wattle Range Council staff have recommended the practice be regulated.
A 29-page staff report about cemeteries and related matters will be tabled at the monthly council meeting in Millicent tonight (Tuesday).
The policy has not been updated for several years with a variety of changes sought by staff.
At present, the seven Wattle Range Council cemeteries have a policy which states that “glass jars and containers that detract from the general appearance of the cemetery may be removed at Wattle Range Council’s discretion and without notice”.
The staff recommended policy states that “glass jars and containers that detract from the general appearance of the cemetery (e.g. alcohol containers) will be removed at Wattle Range Council’s discretion and without notice”.
The to-be-confirmed policy references other items allowed at grave sites such as crosses as well as internment rights, religious burial ceremonies, public open space memorials and burials on private property.
“The Wattle Range Council Cemeteries and Memorials Policy is in need of a review and updating to consider the changes in process and legislative requirements since the last review in 2012,” stated the staff report.
“Wattle Range Council officers have thoroughly reviewed the policy with two main changes to the policy being identified and recommended for burials on private property and public open space memorials.”
Meanwhile, tonight’s agenda runs to 359 pages and includes four matters which are set to be discussed in confidence.
Councillor Emma Castine has also submitted a notice of motion which calls on Wattle Range Council to support the Limestone Coast Sustainable Futures Association and its opposition to strip-mining activities for rare earth elements in this region.
Furthermore, Cr Castine wants Wattle Range Council to write to Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis strongly urging the South Australian Government to halt all mineral mining proposals in the region, and to undertake an independent scientific evaluation and comprehensive assessment into any detrimental environmental, economic or social risks posed by these mining activities.
