Hi Everyone Our Government's latest "BRIGHT IDEA" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cemeteries Park Plan Melbourne Herald Sun September 4, 2003 Old Cemeteries will no longer be sacred ground. Under new state laws some could be parkland. Headstones at some cemeteries dating from the 1800's could be removed and graves grassed over. Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said yesterday it would be a last resort for ageing and unused cemeteries under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Bill. Detailed records and photographs would be kept of all information on tombstones and memorials to be kept in trust for generations to come. Ms Pike said cemeteries would be converted into parks only with the support of local communities and any families with relatives buried there. "This would only happen if the Health Minister believed a conversion into a park would be more respectful treatment for a place of burial than letting it fall into disrepair and neglect," she said. Other options would include fencing memorial areas off to allow public access to the rest of cemetery land. Genealogical Society of Victoria Spokesperson Joy Roy said cemeteries were historically important and the society did not want to see any converted into parkland. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Im sorry Ms Pike, but I would much prefer my grandchildren to be able to visit their ancestors graves than have to search through documents and photographs (for which the Government will undoubtable charge a fee). And excuse me, but what respect is there in desecrating our ancestors final resting places To voice your opinion regarding this story please email Ms Pike bronwyn.pike@parliament.vic.gov.au Thanks Sharyn