Plans resurrected for multifaith Douglas Park cemetery, crematorium after resident backlash

Plans have been brought back from the dead to build a massive cemetery and crematorium in Sydney’s southwest, in a move developers say will meet citywide demand for burial space.

Plans have been released for a multifaith cemetery at the southwest Sydney site.

Plans have been resurrected to build a sprawling cemetery and crematorium in Sydney’s southwest after previous proposals for the development sparked furious backlash from locals.

Almost 70,000 burial plots would be created at a development site near the small town of Douglas Park as part of plans developers say could help address a “critical shortage” of grave sites in Sydney.

The development would have up to 69,759 burial sites, a crematorium, administration building and a chapel.

There would also be memorial gardens, internal roads, remembrance sanctuaries, caretaker buildings, 75 carparking spaces and footpaths running through the site.

The development – located at 430-490 Douglas Park Drive – would involve removing vegetation at the 16,7940sq m site, and once in operation would cater for all religious burial practices.

The proposal comes almost four years after previous plans for a cemetery at the site faced stiff opposition from residents in the Douglas Park community.

Plans have been released for a multifaith cemetery at the southwest Sydney site.

The concerns included concerns over lack of road access that would force funeral processions to travel to the site through Douglas Park and across the notoriously narrow bridge crossing Douglas Park Gorge.

Some residents even took part in a mock funeral procession across the bridge in a bid to highlight their concerns over traffic impacts on the small township.

Despite resident opposition, the Wollondilly Shire Local Planning in 2020 gave approval for a 27,784-lot cemetery at the site – however the development failed to proceed.

A masterplan of the site.

The latest plans now seek to more than double the size of the previously approved proposal which according to development plans was based on “industry feedback” regarding the viability of operating a cemetery at the site.

The plans, lodged by HT Building – which is known for developing retirement villages in NSW – stated the cemetery was “critical infrastructure” that aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to resolving a state wide shortage of burial sites;

“(the development will be) a reflective environment surrounded by mature vegetation,” the plans stated.

An aerial photo of the development site.

“The alternative of ‘do nothing’ will result in the continuation of an under-utilised site which will not provide any form of value to those who require burial sites in Sydney.”

The plans come after an audit by the NSW Department of Planning last year found there was a “critical shortage of grave sites in Sydney’’, with faith-run cemeteries in particular in desperate need.

Plans stated further studies will be undertaken to address impacts from the development including on flora and fauna, transport and accessibility.