Community feedback sought on Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery master plan
06 August 2025
Ipswich City Council is inviting community input on a preliminary concept master plan for Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery in Willowbank — the city’s largest and most utilised cemetery.
Infrastructure, Planning and Assets Committee Chairperson Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said since opening in 1971, Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery had become a place of cultural and community significance, accommodating more than 14,800 burials and ashes placements.
“Originally managed by the Ipswich Cemetery Trust, the site has been under council trusteeship since 1979. But it is now time for potential expansion and upgrades to meet community expectations,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“The master plan aims to enhance the cemetery’s functionality and visitor experience while respecting its environmental and cultural context.
“Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery is a place of remembrance and reflection for many in our community.
“This master plan presents an opportunity to improve accessibility, introduce new memorial spaces, and ensure the site continues to meet the needs of future generations.”
Surrounded by protected Melaleuca irbyana forest, Ebenezer Creek, and flood-prone areas, the site faces ecological and environmental constraints that limit traditional expansion.
The concept plan proposes a range of new features designed to work within these limitations while enhancing the cemetery’s role as a peaceful and respectful space.
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine said community feedback will be vital in shaping a cemetery that reflects local values and supports meaningful connection.
“We want to ensure these spaces offer comfort and dignity for families visiting loved ones,” Cr Augustine said.
“Community input will help guide how new features are designed and used, from memorial styles to accessibility and visitor experience. The information we are seeking input on is designed to be though provoking, so we can consider what asset improvements to consider future investment”
Division 1 Councillor Jacob Madsen said the master plan reflects council’s commitment to creating a respectful and accessible space for the community.
“We’re proposing natural burial areas, expanded memorial gardens and upgraded facilities to support quiet reflection and visitor comfort,” Cr Madsen said.
“These improvements will help ensure Warrill Park continues to meet the needs of our growing community while preserving its peaceful and welcoming environment.”
Council recently completed extensive upgrades and expansion of the almost 150-year-old Tallegalla Cemetery as part of ongoing work and master-planning across all five council-owned cemeteries – Warrill Park, Tallegalla, Stone Quarry Cemetery in Jeebropilly, Ipswich General and Haigslea.
A preliminary concept master plan map for Warrill Park is available to help residents visualise the proposed changes, highlighting key landscape zones, pathways, and areas of ecological and recreational interest.
Further refinement of the concept plans will be informed by input from the community. Investment in assets and other improvements will be considered as part of future budgets.
To view the concept plan and have your say, visit www.shapeyouripswich.com.au/warrill-park-lawn-cemetery
Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul people of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.