Council's minimum standard for monuments is the Australian Standards Association "AS4204 - Monuments and Headstones". You can obtain a copy of the AS4204 Standard from Standards Australia

Any person wanting to carry out work, however minor, on a grave in a cemetery, must have the Shoalhaven City Council's written approval to do so. It is advisable & prudent to consult and engage a reputable monument mason for the construction of a headstone or monument. The mason will know Council's requirements & standards.

Before you, or your agent, commence work in a cemetery you must also obtain a permit to do so from the Council. Application forms are available from our office or website.

If you decide to carry out the work yourself, or the person you engage is not a monument mason registered with Council, be aware

1. You will have to formally comply with Shoalhaven City Council’s “Funerary and Monument & Masonry Services Policy“ . Copies of the policy are available from our office or website.

2. All monument construction in the Shoalhaven cemeteries MUST comply with Council’s Cemeteries, Crematorium and Memorial Garden Policy ,any other relevant standards and especially Standards Australia "AS-4204 - Headstones and Monuments."

3. You will need to obtain a “Grave Improvement Work Permit”

4. A fee is charged when you lodge the application- the fee is not refundable, even when the permit application is refused. For the current fee please contact our office.

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