Leading the way in sustainable land management

At Metropolitan Memorial Parks, sustainability is more than a goal, it’s a guiding principle that shapes how we care for our land, our communities and future generations. As custodians of some of Sydney and Newcastle’s historic memorial park and cemetery locations, we are working towards minimising our environmental footprint while maintaining respectful and accessible spaces.

Recently, we have initiated two innovative and eco-conscious projects: Steam Weed Control and Goat Eco Land Clearing. These forward-thinking practices are helping us reduce harmful chemical use, lower emissions, enhance biodiversity and preserve our remarkable places - naturally.

Natural landscaping: Eco-friendly goats at Rookwood General Cemetery and Crematorium

Rookwood General Cemetery and Crematorium spans expansive grounds rich with history, heritage and significance. Over time, less frequently visited sections have become overgrown, creating unique maintenance challenges that require both careful attention and environmental sensitivity. In response, we’ve introduced an innovative trial in partnership with Sydney Eco Land Clearing, a natural approach using goats to manage vegetation without harming the environment or the heritage of our grounds.

Goats, often called nature’s perfect gardeners, offer numerous ecological benefits when it comes to land care including:

• No pesticides or toxic chemicals.
• No heavy machinery or green waste.
• No noise, just peace and quiet.
• Friendly, hand-raised goats that are safe around people.

Not only do goats consume a wide range of plants, but they also digest weed seeds, helping to reduce future weed growth. Their soft hooves ensure minimal impact on the delicate ground and historical monuments. The goats are carefully monitored, with regular check-ins, constant access to water and shelter, and a camera system for 24/7 welfare observation. To prevent overgrazing, fencing is moved every two weeks, allowing vegetation to regenerate.

Chemical-free weed control at Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park and Crematorium

Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park and Crematorium faces unique environmental challenges due to its coastal location, including strong winds and sandy soils. These conditions increase the risk of chemical herbicides leaching into local waterways, potentially harming ecosystems and wildlife. To sustainable address these environmental concerns, we're trialling Steam Weed Control, an innovative method designed to effectively manage weeds without chemicals, significantly reducing risks to our environment.

Steam weed control uses high-temperature water vapour to effectively destroy weeds, eliminating above-ground plant growth without chemicals. This eco-friendly method is safe for all surfaces, making it ideal for pathways, brickwork, stone monuments and other hard-to-reach areas throughout the memorial grounds.

Our long-term commitment

These trials are more than temporary fixes - they’re part of our broader commitment to a sustainable, environmentally conscious future at our memorial parks. We’re proud to lead the way in innovative and environmentally friendly land management practices that respect both our environment and the communities we serve.

“These initiatives show what’s possible when we rethink traditional methods and embrace solutions that protect our environment, respect our heritage and serve our communities. As we continue to reimagine cemeteries as green spaces for community use, these safe, sustainable practices become more and more important.”

— Rob Smart, Director Operations, Metropolitan Memorial Parks

As we deepen our commitment to sustainability, our purpose remains clear: to create remarkable places to reflect, connect and remember.