On Monday Tasmania’s Anglican Diocese released a preliminary list of 78 properties, including 55 churches, it plans to put up for sale to help fund redress for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Included on the list was Windermere’s St Matthius’ church and its adjoining cemetery.

Built in 1842, the cemetery contains 132 marked and 121 unmarked burial sites, including that of 71 children. 

Since Monday’s announcement, community concerns have been raised over how a private sale would impact the cemetery. 

However an Anglican Church spokeswoman said all sales would be subject to the Burial and Cremation Act 2002, which governs the establishment and management of cemeteries in Tasmania. 

“The Anglican Church, when selling any land that includes a cemetery, is careful to ensure that the requirements of the Burial and Cremation Act 2002 are met,” the spokeswoman said. 

“Our contracts of sale contain specific clauses to manage the handover of cemetery management to the new owner, who is then bound by the same state legislation as the church. 

“This is to ensure that the purchaser of the property understands the substantial obligations which they take on as a manager of a cemetery and work through the process of arranging to accept those responsibilities as part of the acquisition process.”

On Tuesday treasurer Peter Gutwein said he would meet with church leaders next week to clarify community concerns regarding the church sales and conditions affecting the cemeteries.