Cairns Regional Council lists three cemeteries for natural burials

Cairns will accommodate a growing trend for eco-friendly natural burials, with the council earmarking three sites. HAVE YOUR SAY

CAIRNS Regional Council will accommodate a growing trend for eco-friendly natural burials with three sites identified as part of a detailed report.

Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger first raised the option of “green burials” three years ago and their popularity has been growing in other parts of the state and Australia.

Babinda, Martyn Street and the Forrest View cemeteries have been earmarked as locations.

Natural burial grounds are becoming more popular across Australia, with Cairns Regional Council to introduce three sites at cemeteries across the city.

“Natural burials are becoming more popular and they are a cheaper alternative to traditional and are less intrusive into the environment, “ she said at a committee meeting on Tuesday.

“Often you can plant trees or they are left to get a bit overgrown and just natural.

“Our region has over 55 different ethnic groups and I think its very important that we allow for diversity and specific burial cultures to be addressed.”

Natural burials typically occur in bushland or regenerated area free of toxic materials.

Bodies interred in a natural burial are not embalmed and are interred in natural timbers or other biodegradable materials.

Esther Swanborough from Swanborough Funerals in south-east Queensland, with a natural fibre casket. Photo: Renae Droop

Cr Zeiger said traditional caskets and headstones were replaced with wrapped shroud, a wicker casket or a grass plot covered in plants.

“The report identified three sites in current cemeteries that are suitable for natural burials, and I know Forrest View is currently under review with the master plan, and the design for that looks amazing.

“It is very important that we are culturally sensitive and able to offer alternatives for people in this area.

The report stated there were about 300 burials at council operated cemeteries across the city per year.

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Originally published as Cairns Regional Council lists three cemeteries for natural burials