Concerns were raised earlier this year after the site of the strangers’ graves was impacted by a combination of wet weather and vehicles driving over the unmarked area.

“Council had a responsibility as the cemetery trust to ensure the area was rehabilitated and to take action to ensure this kind of damage doesn’t happen again,” Councillor Tony Driscoll said.

“We hope that the installation of treated pine bollards will stop people from driving over the area when they are visiting and respectfully delineate the areas from other sections of the cemetery.

“We’re also planning to install informative signage in both areas.”

Council is currently looking to transition management of both the St Arnaud and Pleasant Creek (Stawell) cemeteries to community trusts. This process includes a gradual fee increase over the next three years.