The natural burial option is available at Gungahlin Cemetery and has a lower environmental impact.
Gungahlin Cemetery offers a natural burial option. The area has been set aside specifically for natural or green burials. In addition, a burial that meets the basic requirements for a natural burial may be carried out in many Canberra Memorial Parks burial allotments, excluding vaults and crypts.
By choosing a natural burial, people are choosing a burial method that has a lower environmental impact. Natural burials promote natural decomposition; such as dressing the body in biodegradable clothing, green headstones (memorial rocks with a plaque) and biodegradable coffins/scattering of ashes (instead of conventional hardwood coffins or metal urns). These will decompose, along with the body, and become part of the soil.
Additionally, the embalming process (the chemical preserving a body for a short period of time) is often not undertaken during a natural burial as the chemicals can be harmful to the ecosystem. Embalming will also prevent the body from breaking down, as the chemicals used can inhibit the microbial decomposers that are needed to recycle the body naturally.
Only biodegradable and non-toxic materials may be buried with the body as part of a natural burial. Natural burials have no permanent visual markers – the intent is for graves to blend into the surrounding bushland. For those wishing to visit the actual site of a loved one’s interment, a map is available from the Canberra Memorial Parks office.
The location of all graves is recorded on a GPS mapping system and in-situ with a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID). Cremated remains scattered in the natural burial area are not mapped.
In the set aside areas, an assessment of each individual natural burial location is undertaken to ensure minimal impact on trees and other vegetation, and to avoid areas of erosion or overland water flow.
All burials are to conform to statutory requirements under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2020.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ‘natural burial’ or ‘green burial’?
‘A natural burial consists of returning human remains as directly as possible to the earth, while adhering to all legal, cultural and practical requirements. Non-embalmed remains are contained within a minimal-resource, bio-degradable coffin or shroud, and buried at the minimum legal depth to promote natural decomposition,’ Australian Natural Burial Project.
How is a natural burial performed?
A grave is dug using the most efficient means available to a maximum depth of 1200mm. Soil taken from the grave is kept nearby and replaced after interment.
How are graves marked?
Graves are not visually marked. The GPS location is captured and a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) is placed underground beside the grave. This allows Cemetery staff to find the exact location of burials, if required.
What kind of memorial is permitted?
A plaque of a standard specified size may be placed on the communal memorialisation space provided.
What can be buried?
The body may only be wrapped in biodegradable or compostable materials and cannot be embalmed. If a coffin is used it must be made from natural untreated timber (other than nails or screws).
Can I leave anything on the grave?
At the time of burial fresh flowers may be placed on the grave. Canberra Memorial Parks reserves the right to remove any objects it considers not in keeping with the ethos of the space.
Can I transport the body to the grave?
A body must be transported to grave side in a coffin or container approved by the ACT Chief Health Officer. Please consult your Funeral Director or view the Containers for Transportation and Burial Approval 2020 Notifiable Instrument.
Can a second burial take place in a grave?
No. Companion allotments can be purchased at the time of the first burial to permit two burials side-by-side.
Can the location be reserved?
Reservations in the Natural Burial area are available, but specific grave locations cannot be chosen. The location of a grave is determined at time of the burial by cemetery staff.
Can I plant anything on the grave?
Refer to the Approved Plant List for Natural Burial Area for a short list of suitable endemic species. A family member or executor will be able to choose from this list after the burial for cemetery staff to plant on the grave.
Can I scatter ashes?
Yes, cremated remains (ashes) may be scattered on the natural burial ground.
Term and conditions for natural burials
1. A Certificate of Right to Burial will be issued for the following categories:
a) single depth burial (max 1200mm deep)
b) companion burials (side by side) - When the first burial takes place, the site next to it will be allocated until needed.
2. Sites will be single burial only
A second burial is not permitted in a grave.
3. Graves are sold in perpetuity
The Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2020 states that ‘The term of the burial of human remains at a cemetery… continues in perpetuity (Division 3.3.2, Part 21 (b)).
4. Interment or scattering of cremated remains
The interment or scattering of cremated remains is allowed within certain areas of the Natural Burial Ground. Cremated remains shall be contained in bio-degradable containers or placed directly into the earth and cannot be retrieved. The exact location of cremated remains will be recorded. Standard fees for the interment of cremated remains and plaque fees apply.
5. Sites may be pre-purchased
In general, the location of the grave cannot be reserved and will be determined by Cemetery staff immediately prior to burial. The exception is for a “companion grave” which may be reserved at the time of the first burial. This grave may be on either side of the burial.
Grave locations will be selected on a “next available space” basis in accordance with the layout and arrangement of each natural burial area and at the sole discretion of Canberra Memorial Parks Management.
6. For burial, the body:
a) cannot be embalmed.
b) must be wrapped in a container made of natural fibres. If a coffin is used it must be sealed with the exception of screws or nails and constructed of natural untreated material. All materials including clothing must all be from sustainable sources and be biodegradable.
7. To minimise environment impacts
a) any other material placed with the body must be biodegradable
b) soil removed in preparation for the burial will be placed adjacent to the grave and used for back-fill.
8. No plantings
There are to be no plantings other than by Canberra Memorial Parks. The Exclusive Right Holder may choose a plant from the approved list of trees, small shrubs or forbs which will be planted within a reasonable amount of time and subject to availability by Canberra Memorial Parks staff.
9. Tokens of remembrance
Flowers may be placed on the grave at the time of burial but will be removed after two weeks.
At other times, tokens of any kind, including flowers, will not be permitted on the grave. Fresh flowers and other tokens may be placed at the communal memorial. In keeping with the ethos of the space, all ribbons, ties and wrappings on flowers must be biodegradable. Canberra Memorial Parks reserves the right to remove any material it considers not in keeping with the ethos of the space or that has deteriorated beyond an acceptable state.
10. Other items left at grave site
No headstone, edging or other stone, vase, embellishment or any other structure shall be placed on or around the grave.
11. Memorials
A communal memorial is available at the entrance to the Natural Burial Ground for remembrance of the deceased.
12. Plaques
Plaque memorials of an appropriate size, determined by Canberra Memorial Parks, is included in the standard burial fee to be placed on the communal memorial. Typical information contained on a plaque includes: Name; date of birth and death, location of burial and a very small epitaph.
13. Grave locations and details
Details of each grave are accurately recorded within Canberra Memorial Parks management system, on a digital map and in-situ with an RFID.
14. Maintenance
Canberra Memorial Parks reserves the right to:
a) remove and dispose of any unauthorised object or plantings from the area;
b) maintain the bushland where necessary to meet safety and aesthetic standards.
15. Grave digging
Canberra Memorial Parks will carry out all digging of graves and any associated work. Conditions permitting, mourners may assist, under supervision, with backfilling of the grave by hand.
16. All burials are intended to be the last resting place
Canberra Memorial Parks will only agree to a private exhumation in exceptional circumstances, with further approval required from the ACT Chief Health Officer.
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