Expansion of this business is as certain as death and taxes
Shire industry
The funeral parlour on Sawmill Street in Mossman is aiming to expand.
Mossman and Port Douglas Community Funerals owner Propel Funeral Partners - a large company with parlours across Australia and New Zealand - has bought the former vet property at the back of the current centre on Theresa Drive in order to consolidate operations at the site.
“The existing mortuary and body storage functions currently undertaken at the Sawmill Street premises will be relocated to the Theresa Drive site,” according to plans lodged with Douglas Shire Council.
“The new facility will become the principal operational base for Mossman and Port Douglas Community Funerals.
“The existing Sawmill Street property will continue to operate in conjunction with the funeral business, however, its role will be focused on cremation-related activities.”
As part of the development, the shed currently at the Theresa Drive site is set to be retained, but new balconies and other additions will be added.
“The proposal does not seek to expand the scale of the existing business,” the plans state.
“Rather, it seeks to separate funeral administration and family facing activities from the cremation related operations.
“On the day of a funeral service, the hearse will travel from the Sawmill Road premises to the Theresa Drive facility, where the coffin will be loaded prior to proceeding to the funeral service location, such as a church, chapel or cemetery.
“Following completion of the service, where cremation is required, the deceased will be transported to the Sawmill Road premises.”