Update on St Mary’s Church, Kempton

Tuesday December 11, 2018 – Joint Media Statement from the Anglican Church of Tasmania and the Southern Midlands Council 

The Mayor of the Southern Midlands Council and the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Tasmania have met to discuss the future of St Mary’s Church, Kempton.

The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania, The Right Revd Dr Richard Condie, today said, “Now that the list of properties has been finalised, the Anglican Church welcomes the opportunity to work constructively with local councils towards the aim of community ownership for those properties which hold value to the community.

“Yesterday I had a productive meeting with Alex Green, the Mayor of Southern Midlands Council, and we have committed to negotiating in good faith a community-driven solution for St Mary’s, Kempton, in preference to exploring other sale options,” said Bishop Condie.

“We recognise that churches and cemeteries hold significant value within local communities. For church properties with cemeteries that are to be sold, we will prioritise solutions that enable these properties to be used by and for members of the local community into the future.

Mayor of the Southern Midlands Council, Cr Alex Green said “This is an opportunity for Council and the broader community to potentially help secure the future of St Mary’s.

“I acknowledge this is a difficult situation for the Anglican Church and thank them for their preparedness to negotiate in good faith with us on this difficult issue.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Jane Howlett MLC for facilitating yesterday’s meeting.”