By ALESHA CAPONE
THE Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust has committed to monitoring the state of Williamstown Cemetery.
Two weeks ago Star revealed hundreds of graves submerged under water and algae.
Many memorials – including those of war veterans – were completely covered and inaccessible thanks to being surrounded by floods.
Williamstown RSL president Ernie Poole and former Williamstown Cemetery Trust (WCT) board member John Patterson told Star the situation was “appalling” and “disgusting”.
The GMCT took over took over operation of the cemetery from the WCT during 2010 amid State Government reforms.
A GMCT spokesperson said the Williamstown Cemetery had a history of drainage problems and faced near-record rainfall across the past two years.
He said the GMCT would introduce a number of water monitoring stations throughout the cemetery.
“The monitoring regime will also investigate if there is a link between tidal influences on the local water table and rainfall levels recorded within the cemetery,” he said.
The spokesperson said the graveyard’s proximity to the beach was “suspected to be a contributing factor in ongoing drainage problems experienced at the cemetery.”
“Monitoring will be undertaken over several months to assess the problem,” he said.
“Once GMCT has a better understanding of the problem, the trust will review and allocate a budget for additional infrastructure funding for drainage.”
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said has written with the GMCT to seek a meeting with himself, Mr Poole and Mr Patterson.
“I’m pleased that the Cemetery Trust has acknowledged that there are problems and I hope that these will be remedied to the satisfaction of the community at the earliest opportunity,” he said.
Western region MP Bernie Finn said he would also contact GMCT about the cemetery.
“The general state of the cemetery is important. How we treat those who go before us is a reflection of society generally,” he said.
