NSW cemeteries running out of space by early 2030s
Almost all Crown cemeteries in NSW, including Rookwood, are expected to reach capacity by the early 2030s.
Rookwood Cemetery is in Sydney's west and is the southern hemisphere's largest. It covers more than 280 hectares and has operated for almost 160 years.
But it is filling up. The CEO of just metropolitan memorial parks manages eight Crown cemeteries across NSW.
He says almost all will reach capacity by the early 2030s. Urban areas have expanded around cemeteries that once sat far away.
Governments have chosen to spend money on other things. Residents often oppose new cemeteries.
Some faiths, including Islam and Judaism, do not allow cremation. Other options are gaining ground.
These include green burials, ash-to-diamond conversion, and renewable tenure. Plots are leased for 25 to 99 years and then reused.
- more than 280 hectares
- Rookwood size
- almost 160 years
- Rookwood operating time
- eight
- NSW Crown cemeteries managed
- early 2030s
- Capacity deadline
Why it mattersWith burial space running out, many Australians may face limits on choosing traditional burial if their faith requires it.
AustraliaMajor Australian cities facing the same capacity crisis, affecting where and how Australians can be buried in coming years.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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