Definitions of terms used in Cemeteries and Memorial Gardens pages

Plot Purchase (Right of Burial)
A plot is a parcel of land which can be purchased for a burial. When a plot is purchased the Right of Burial is allocated. A fee is applicable.

Right of Burial owner (Grantee)
A Right of Burial is an exclusive right of entitlement to a burial place which is granted by Council to a person or persons. The Right of Burial owner (grantee) is the legal personal representative of the deceased. The Right of Burial owner remains the legal personal representative until the Right of Burial is transferred to another recipient and registered in the cemetery register.

The Right of Burial owner is the only person who can consent to a burial in a grave, placement of a memorial or conservation of the grave site. A plot can be purchased prior to a death or after a death has taken place and prior to interment

Should the person being interred be the Right of Burial owner, then the Right of Burial becomes part of his or her estate, to be administered by his or her Executor. If there is no Executor, then the next-of-kin who is the “major beneficiary” takes charge. The Right of Burial is an important item of one’s estate and as such can be transferred or bequeathed to another person as long as the grave is vacant. However, this is not legally complete until such time as Council’s records have been amended to indicate that fact. It is necessary to supply relevant information such as a will, statutory declaration or evidence of identity in order to transfer ownership of a burial plot or a niche in a memorial wall.

Burial Licence (Permit)
A Burial Licence is the approval for a burial to take place. This can only be obtained once a death has occurred. An application form is to be completed to correspond with the Right of Burial application. A fee is applicable.

Re-opening
A burial plot can be purchased for two full-size caskets, one stillborn casket and four ashes. Once the first casket or urn has been interred in a purchased plot, each following interment is classified as a re-opening. A fee is applicable. No fee is payable for the first interment.

Niche Wall
A concrete wall with recesses for holding statues or urns containing ashes.

Right to a Niche
The person who has the exclusive rights to the subject Niche as granted by Council. The Right to a Niche can be transferred to either a claimant or back to Council (if the Niche remains vacant). A fee is applicable for the purchase of a recess. In the case of a transfer back to Council, the original fee paid will be refunded.

Transfer Right of Burial
The Right of Burial may be transferred. Council will record any transfer upon satisfactory proof of the Right of Burial, with the new owner to be regarded as the transferee or successor to the Right of Burial. The Right of Burial can be transferred to either a claimant or back to Council (if the grave remains vacant). A fee is applicable.

Monumental Work (Stone Masonry)
Fabrication of memorial plaques, headstones or monuments; Placement of a headstone, slab or concrete edging on a grave or repairs that a Right of Burial owner may wish to make to a headstone, slab over grave or concrete kerbing. All monumental works must be arranged through an authorised stone mason. A Monumental Works Permit is required and a fee is applicable.

From time to time, it may be necessary for Council to carry out monumental works in the interest of safety to its employees and to the public.

Slab over grave or stone or concrete kerbing
Concrete block and/or concrete edging placed over or around the grave by an authorised stone mason. These are only permitted in the general sections. A Monumental Works Permit is required and a fee is applicable.

Interment
To place in a grave; burial. A Burial Permit is required and a fee is applicable.

Authorised Person
The person who is legally nominated by the Right of Burial owner to permit any monumental works to go ahead.

Work Permit
Any work carried out in Council cemeteries requires formal consent by a written application. This is to be lodged with Council by the Right of Burial owner.

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Page last updated: 06/02/2007