Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery is a place of deep significance for the Ipswich community. Since opening in 1971, it has grown into the city’s largest and most utilised cemetery. Initially managed by the Ipswich Cemetery Trust, Ipswich City Council became the trustee in 1979. The site accommodates over 14,800 burials and ashes placements, primarily in open lawn areas.

Surrounded by the protected Melaleuca irbyana forest, Ebenezer Creek, the Cunningham Highway, and private property, the site faces ongoing challenges including flood-prone areas and ecological restrictions limiting future burial expansion.

Council sought feedback on the preliminary concept master plan for Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery on a range of proposed features and improvements, including natural burial areas, memorial gardens and walks, and upgraded visitor facilities.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback on the preliminary concept master plan for Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery. Your feedback is now being reviewed.

Your input will help shape a master plan that reflects the needs and values of our community.

Preliminary concept master plan map

The map below illustrates the preliminary concept master plan for Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery. It provides a visual overview of the proposed layout, including key landscape zones, pathways, and areas of ecological and recreational interest. Highlighted features such as planting zones, protected forest areas, and potential development sites are marked to support community understanding and feedback. This map serves as a foundational tool for visualising how the proposed design elements will be integrated across the site.

Please note, images have been used for illustrative purposes and the final plan may differ.

The plan introduces several new proposed features to enhance the cemetery experience:

• Tree bosques that provide options of new burial or ashes internment areas.
• Space for quiet reflection incorporating water features and enhanced memorial gardens.
• Establishment of areas for monumental graves.
• Expanded memorial gardens and walks, natural bushland burial or ashes internment areas, and family-friendly spaces like the Nursery area.
• Upgraded paths, carparks, and water management systems to improve safety and comfort.

Your feedback can help shape:

• The look and feel of new spaces—materials, planting choices, seating, and artwork.
• How new areas like the proposed timber pavilion are used by the community.
• Ideas to improve accessibility and visitor experience.
• Preferences for memorial styles and how families engage with the space.

What we asked from you:

We asked to hear your thoughts on the proposed changes. What do you love? What could be improved? How can these spaces better support reflection, remembrance, and community connection?

Your voice helps to ensure this plan reflects the values and needs of the people who visit, grieve, and remember here.

Legend:

🔵 Proposed areas – Blue dots highlight areas where new features or changes are being considered. Community perspectives are welcomed to help guide future decisions..

🔴 Established areas – Red dots indicate existing features that are currently not under review, but observations or suggestions are still valued.

The community was invited to submit their responses to the survey questions using one of the engagement channels below:

• completing our online survey below
• submitting a hard copy survey
• emailing us directly at communityengagement@ipswich.qld.gov.au
• calling our Contact Centre at 3810 6666.