Independent commission green light 136,000-plot cemetery

A controversial proposal to build a 136,000-plot cemetery in southwest Sydney has received the green light in a bid to address Sydney’s urgent need for burial space.

An artist’s impression of Macarthur Memorial Park, which was directed for approval by the Independent Planning Commission today.

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A controversial proposal to build a 136,000-plot cemetery in Varroville has received the green light from the NSW Independent Planning Commission in a bid to address Sydney’s urgent need for burial space.

The commission today directed the Sydney Western City Planning Panel to approve the project which was first lodged by the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (CMCT) to Campbelltown City Council in October 2017.

The site of the 136,000-plot cemetery, pictured last year.

The cemetery, to be located on a 113ha site on St Andrews Rd, Varroville, will be developed in four stages. The site was rezoned in 2016 to pave the way for the development.

The project, to be known as Macarthur Memorial Park, had previously been opposed by local Labor MPs Greg Warren and Anoulack Chantivong, Campbelltown City Council and concerned residents.

An artists impression of the lake and boardwalk at the proposed Macarthur Memorial Park.

The cemetery will be located on the Scenic Hills, an iconic landscape which forms a green belt separating the Camden and Campbelltown local government areas.

CMCT CEO Peter O’Meara said the approval meant the trust could help future generations meet the challenges of declining burial space in Sydney.

“This approval ensures the interment practices and beliefs of all religious and cultural groups are respected and provided for,” he said.

“We welcome everyone to these world-class facilities and public recreational spaces.”

The approval has also been welcomed by the Riverstone Muslim Cemetery Board and NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.