Natural burials
The natural burials area is a peaceful, naturally forested area of the Eumundi Cemetery.
There are large established trees and native plants and wildlife. Site reservations are not available in the natural burial area. If this is your preference a burial site can be purchased at the time of the burial.
What does the area at Eumundi look like?
What does the area at Eumundi look like?
The natural burials area is a peaceful, naturally forested area of the Eumundi Cemetery. With large established trees and native plants and wildlife. Tree species typically found in the area include Red Mahogany, Pink Bloodwood and Tallowwood.
How are natural burials kinder to the environment?
How are natural burials kinder to the environment?
A natural burial promotes the natural decomposition process. It limits the use of chemicals that destroy microbial decomposers and uses biodegradable burial materials. A natural burial also requires limited land clearing, promotes forest re-growth after each burial and is subject to ongoing weed treatment. Collectively, these practices improve the ecological value and diversity of the site.
Are memorials placed on natural burials?
Are memorials placed on natural burials?
The principles of the natural burials area require the body to be interred with natural and organic materials only, with no headstone or other grave marker on the grave. However, there will be a communal memorial at the entrance to the natural burials area that can include a memorial inscription (first name, surname, date of birth and date of death only). Additionally, site locations are recorded using a land survey and a small electronic marker (RFID technology).
Are caskets, coffins and shrouds permitted in the natural burial area?
Are caskets, coffins and shrouds permitted in the natural burial area?
You can select a casket, coffin or shroud for the natural burials area, provided they are made out of natural materials.
Which burial materials are permitted in the natural burial area?
Which burial materials are permitted in the natural burial area?
Permitted
Coffins or caskets - Natural untreated materials such as sustainably sourced harvest timbers, wicker, willow, and bamboo and natural fabrics (e.g. undyed cotton). A plastic/ metal name plate, with identifying details is required.
Burial shrouds - Natural fabrics, e.g. undyed cotton.
Not permitted
Coffins or caskets - Treated timbers including plywood and MDF, synthetic fabric, metals, plastics, glues and metal hardware (e.g. handles), blankets or other bedding.
Burial shrouds - Blankets or other bedding, fabrics that are dyed or synthetic materials.
Can mementos be added to the coffin, casket, or shroud at the time of burial?
Can mementos be added to the coffin, casket, or shroud at the time of burial?
To preserve the natural environment, only natural materials are permitted within the coffin, casket, or shroud. Items such as synthetic clothing, watches, jewelry, electronic devices, possessions, and bedding cannot be placed inside the coffin, casket or shroud.
Can flowers be placed on newly established graves?
Can flowers be placed on newly established graves?
Fresh flowers can be placed upon newly established graves. However, to protect the environment, plastic or fabric flowers are not permitted in the natural burial area.
Scattering ashes in the natural burials area?
Scattering ashes in the natural burials area?
Ashes can be scattered in the natural burial area. No approval is required from Council for the scattering of ashes and families can scatter ashes at a time of their choosing. However, it is advisable to contact the Cemetery Services Team to check that no burials have been scheduled in the area, on your preferred day.
Can ashes be placed inside the coffin, at the same time as a natural burial?
Can ashes be placed inside the coffin, at the same time as a natural burial?
Ashes can be placed inside a coffin or shroud at the time of a burial if the ashes container is constructed from a permitted natural material.
Can ashes be interred at the grave site, after the burial?
Can ashes be interred at the grave site, after the burial?
Ashes can be interred in the burial site, at a later date, if the ashes container is constructed from a permitted natural material.
Can I request a double depth grave to allow for a later interment in the same grave?
Can I request a double depth grave to allow for a later interment in the same grave?
Double depth interments are not offered in natural burial areas. While this option is available in Council’s other cemeteries, natural burial areas are prepared for a single burial only. This depth is maintained based on the microbiology of the soil to maximise natural decomposition.
Can I select a site within the natural burial area?
Can I select a site within the natural burial area?
Site selections are not available in a natural burial area. We will allocate the next available site at the time of the burial booking. Burials occurring in sequential order allow the vegetation to re-grow after each burial. If you would prefer to select a site, this option is available in the traditional section of Eumundi cemetery or in other Council cemeteries.
Can I reserve a site within the natural burial area?
Can I reserve a site within the natural burial area?
Site reservations will not be available in the natural burial area. However, there are a range of options if family wish to be buried together. Ashes may be scattered at the site of a previous burial and a memorial inscription can be added to the communal memorial. There is no fee to scatter ashes within the natural burials site, however fees will apply to the memorial inscription. Alternatively, reserves are available in the traditional section of Eumundi cemetery or in other Council cemeteries.
For those planning their future end of life arrangements we encourage you to talk through your wishes with your family members. While the natural area burial choice and its principles appeal to many, it is understandable that family members who attend the funeral or visit later, may find the differences in a natural burial unsettling.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Cemetery Team by phone (07) 5459 2300 or email [email protected].
Natural burial locations
Eumundi Cemetery
Cnr Bunya Road and Golden Rain Lane North Arm
Read about other services offered at Eumundi Cemetery
Cemetery resources
Forms and fact sheets relating to council cemeteries including ashes reservations, burials and installation of memorials and plaques.