Enforcing local laws at Broome Cemetery

Published on 23 June 2021

The Shire of Broome would like to remind the community of its responsibilities while accessing Broome Cemetery, with the relevant local law set to be enforced more actively in the near future – including the locking of the gates to vehicles.

Following significant infrastructure upgrades undertaken by the Shire last year, unlawful vehicle access to the cemetery has resulted in public reports of cars driving over graves and damage to headstones.

This has caused undue and understandable grief to local families.

As per the Cemeteries Local Law, the following rules apply:

5.3 Vehicle entry restricted

(1) Subject to clause 5.3(2), every funeral procession shall enter by the principal entrance, and no vehicle except the hearse, and official mourning coaches, shall be permitted to enter the cemetery.

(2) This clause shall not apply to vehicles approved by the CEO or an authorised person, or to persons using wheelchairs or motorised wheelchairs.

5.4 Vehicle access and speed limitation

(1) A person shall access a vehicle on a vehicular access way or the constructed roadway or other areas designated for the use of vehicles within the cemetery, unless otherwise authorised by the CEO.

(2) A person driving a vehicle within a cemetery shall not exceed the speed limit of 25km/h and shall comply with the signs and directions in the cemetery.

Fines apply and the Shire will be enforcing these rules more actively moving forward. To apply for an exemption, e-mail shire@broome.wa.gov.au or call 9191 3456.