Shaping the future of NSW Cemeteries

The Minns Labor Government is calling on cemetery operators and communities to help shape the future of cemeteries and memorial parks across the state, with the release of the draft Perpetual Care Framework for public consultation.

Cemeteries and memorial parks are more than resting places, they are spaces for remembrance, reflection, and community connection. The draft Perpetual Care Framework sets out a plan to ensure these special places are cared for, respected, and accessible for generations to come.

The proposed framework will:

• Provide a clear definition of what is meant by perpetual care
• Provide opportunities to keep cemeteries as vibrant and valuable spaces into the future, even when they have reached full capacity
• Hold cemetery operators accountable for perpetual care and ensure ongoing safe access for families and communities
• Give families certainty that cemeteries will be maintained with dignity and respect, even after they are no longer active
• Manage maintenance costs most effectively through long term planning
• Respect the diverse religious and cultural needs of NSW communities
• Allow for innovative and respectful uses for cemeteries, such as new green spaces, so these valued places can continue to benefit the community in new ways.
   

The draft Perpetual Care Framework shares real-world examples of what a well-planned approach to perpetual care can look like in practice, citing the Melbourne General Cemetery in central Melbourne, and Camperdown Memorial Rest Park in Sydney as alternative approaches.

Project Cultivate – Melbourne General Cemetery

This initiative has transformed traditional cemetery landscapes into thriving native grasslands, reducing water use and chemical inputs while enhancing biodiversity. It demonstrates how cemeteries can honour memory and contribute to environmental resilience.

Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

Once a cemetery, this site is now a vibrant public park, showing how inactive cemeteries can be repurposed to serve communities while preserving heritage.

Have Your Say

Cemetery operators and communities are invited to provide their feedback to ensure the final framework meets the needs of all and supports a strong, sustainable future for NSW cemeteries.

Feedback can be provided by completing a survey or by emailing [email protected]. Responses must be received by 27 March 2026. For more information, visit Perpetual Care Framework.

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said:
“The framework is a major step forward in ensuring cemeteries remain respectful, sustainable, and well-maintained for generations to come. It gives families certainty that cemeteries will be maintained with dignity and respect, even after they are no longer active.

“Perpetual care is about dignity, respect, and sustainability. This framework sets out how operators can plan for the long-term maintenance of cemeteries while embracing innovation and community expectations.”

David Raper, Acting CEO of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW said:
“We want to hear from everyone - operators, families, and communities - about what perpetual care should look like. Together, we can respect the past and ensure cemeteries benefit families and communities well into the future.”