Controversial plans to expand Woden Cemetery into Eddison Park are being reconsidered by the ACT government, City Services Minister Meegan Fitzharris says.
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Community groups are staunchly opposed to the proposal, which they say would result in Woden town centre losing one of its remaining green spaces.
The chair of the ACT government's city services committee, Suzanne Orr, asked for an update on the Woden proposal during an inquiry into cemetery management on Wednesday.
Ms Fitzharris told the inquiry that the expansion of light rail into Woden had forced a re-think on the Eddison Park plan.
"I have said this year, given that the government has made a number of significant commitments around the Woden town centre, and taking into account feedback from the community, that we are considering that and that process is underway," she said.
"I'm not able to say any more about that at this stage".
Ms Fitzharris also pointed out that many of the issues raised appeared to have popped-up relatively recently.
"I'd also note that significant work was done a few years ago, including quite extensive consultation, that did not raise the issues that are being raised by the community now," she said.
"We have obviously heard that feedback now. The government has new policy priorities for Woden town centre."
Officials have estimated that existing cemetery facilities at Woden could be completely full by 2018.
For this reason, representatives from Woden Valley and Weston Creek community councils have been calling on the government to build a much-needed cemetery in south Canberra.
Both community councils are opposed to the Eddison Park proposal.
"I don't know how long it takes to establish a cemetery, I think it comes down to political will," said Fiona Carrick, the president of the Woden Valley Community Council.
"I would think it could be done fairly quickly if there was the will to do it."
A site on Mugga Lane, dubbed the Southern Memorial Park, had been reserved for a new cemetery for almost a decade.
Although the project had been shelved in favour of expanding Woden Cemetery, Ms Fitzharris said it was now back on the table.
"The government is aware of the longer-term need for additional burial space in the ACT, particularly in south Canberra," she said.
"We are closely considering community feedback regarding the importance of urban open space in Woden, and will be considering all future options, including the Southern Memorial Park, in this context."
In its August budget report, the ACT estimates committee called on government officials to start work immediately on alternatives to the extension to the Woden Cemetery.
The city services committee is expected to deliver its findings on the management of cemeteries in the ACT to the legislative assembly in November.
