Kununurra Faces Grim Dilemma as Cemetery Nears Capacity

The small town of Kununurra in far north Western Australia is grappling with a pressing social challenge: where to bury its dead once the local cemetery closes. Despite being the Kimberley’s newest town, gazetted in 1961, its cemetery is already nearing capacity, and officials warn that suitable land for a new site has yet to be found.

The current cemetery, located at the corner of Barringtonia Avenue and Hidden Valley Road, is plagued by serious geological and environmental issues. One section sits on solid rock, making it impossible to dig graves to the required depth. Another area is prone to regular flooding, while the region’s annual monsoonal rains further complicate the use of remaining plots. These conditions have left the cemetery with only limited space, and burials could become impossible within just a few years.

The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley has been searching for a new cemetery site “for years,” but the requirements are stringent. Any new location must be accessible to the town, properly zoned, and meet geological and hydrological standards to ensure graves can be dug safely and remain protected from flooding. It must also provide sufficient space to serve the community for decades to come.

Shire CEO Vernon Lawrence acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating: “The shire doesn’t have any land where we can start a new cemetery.” This admission underscores the scale of the problem, as residents may eventually be forced to travel long distances potentially to Wyndham, more than 200km away for funerals and to visit loved ones.

The looming closure of Kununurra’s cemetery raises broader questions about regional planning and infrastructure in remote communities. With population growth and cultural traditions placing continued demand on burial sites, the town faces a sensitive and urgent decision. Local elders and families are calling for action, warning that without a solution, the community risks losing a vital place of remembrance and connection.

For now, the search continues, but the clock is ticking. Unless a suitable site is secured soon, Kununurra could face the unprecedented reality of being a town without a cemetery a situation that would deeply affect its residents both practically and emotionally.