Burial crisis reaches critical point, faith and community leaders demand action

Religious leaders across Sydney are calling on action from the NSW Government, after new research revealed burial space for certain denominations could be exhausted by 2027.

If no additional burial space is developed, members of Muslim, Chinese and Orthodox communities would fill allocated burial space at Rookwood General Cemetery within two years, according to new Metropolitan Memorial Parks analysis.

The new figures reveal the extent of the burial space crisis across the city. A joint statement from Islamic and Jewish, Orthodox leaders highlighted the impact of the
shortage.

“Sydney is fast running out of burial space – and for many faith and cultural communities, the situation is becoming critical. In some areas, communities have only a few years left before all existing plots are gone. It is time for the NSW government to act and find a solution to the burial space shortage crisis,” it said. “For Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox Christian and other culturally-bound burial traditions, there is no alternative to in-ground burial – and the clock is ticking. We cannot delay action.”

Based on current trends, some communities will run out of burial space within the next two years. Muslim burial allocations are critically low at key locations, while Orthodox Christian communities conservatively estimate burial space will be exhausted in the next decade.

CEO of MMP, Denise Ora said the figures reveal the extent of the crisis. “This issue has significant impacts across communities, faith groups and the secular community. We know the importance for people to remain connected to loved ones who have passed,” they said. “MMP is working with the NSW Government to best address the issue, through optimisation of our current cemeteries, to undergoing processes to find new sites for future development. “While it might not be the top of mind for some members of the community, we cannot overlook the importance of cemeteries and memorial parks play in a person’s grieving process.”

In 2024, MMP developed a 23-person Community Engagement Committee to speak with locals and understand issues in their community. Feedback from the committee is used to inform the MMP Board when assessing community needs. MMP is one of two Crown cemetery operators in Sydney, overseeing about 400 hectares of
cemetery space on Crown land.

Ken Morrison, MMP Chair said: 

“Six of Sydney’s historic cemeteries will begin to exhaust from 2031 and be completely full in the decade after that, with some faith groups running out of space in less than two years. A new Crown cemetery has not been built in the heart of Sydney in more than 80 years despite significant population growth, and we urgently need to find solutions to service the community..” 

Ello Meguerditchian (EM Funerals) and Armenian Community Representative said: 

“Ten years ago, we had the luxury of space — today, we’re at a crisis point. Families are determined to secure their place, and are actively taking action to do so. “For our community, burial isn’t just tradition — it’s connection. Connection to faith, to family, to generations past. “We must plan for end-of-life with the same seriousness we plan every other stage of life — especially for communities where burial is non-negotiable. “We’re doing our part. Families are planning ahead. But we need support — access to land, and a commitment to honour our traditions.” 

Mariam Ardati - Australian National Imams Council 

"Disconnect people from death, and you prolong their grief. Let them get close, and they can start to heal." 

"This is a critical matter for faith communities across NSW, and we welcome the opportunity to stand in solidarity with others in calling for a respectful, faith-appropriate, and timely response from the NSW Government." 

Michele Goldman – CEO, Jewish Board of Deputies 

“For the Jewish community, burial is not a preference – it is a religious obligation rooted in sacred law and tradition.” 

“Jewish families return to gravesites not just once a year, but often multiple times, integrated with our religious calendar.” 

“The crisis of burial space isn't seen until it’s personally felt when families are preparing to farewell loved ones. That’s why we need to act now, before families are turned away from burying loved ones in accessible locations.” “In a truly multicultural city, respecting diverse end-of-life practices is as important as respecting cultures in life.