If you have any questions talk to us. Our cemetery staff are available to assist.

As a general rule, when you need to make arrangements for someone who has died you should contact a funeral director of choice. They will guide you through the steps that need to be taken to arrange a cremation or burial service. Memorials can be arranged at the time of a funeral or in advance.

On this page

Planning ahead
Internment
Scattering of ashes
Burial on private land

Planning ahead

A memorial space can be arranged at the time of a funeral or in advance. Prearranging a memorial space for yourself, or for your family, takes the stress out of making a decision at a difficult and emotional time. Conditions apply.

  • A grave plot can only be reserved at the time of internment or as part of a prepaid funeral plan.
  • Memorial spaces (grave plot, niche wall space or memorial garden plot) must be taken up within 50 years. After this time they may be revoked.

Once selected a Burial Licence is issued for the memorial space. This licence grants an exclusive right to a grave plot, niche wall space or memorial garden plot.

Internment

We work closely with the funeral director to set a time of day that best meets the wishes of the family. Where a funeral is scheduled and, if no burial licence is in place, the grave allocated will be the next available in the selected locality. To maximise daylight hours most grave side or placement services in our cemeteries are generally held between 10am and 2pm. Additional fees apply for weekend services.

In-ground burials - On the day cemetery staff will setup and close out in-ground burials. The soil depth determines whether double depth grave is possible. This may not be known until the grave is dug.

You can opt for a natural or traditional burial. Check with your funeral director to see if they offer this service. A natural burial is the internment of a body in the soil in a manner that does not slow decomposition, but allows the body to recycle naturally. The intention of this type of burial is to have as little environmental impact as possible when a body is buried.

Ashes placement - Arrangements can be made directly with Council. Forms are below.

After internment a burial permit is issued to the family. The information on the permit is held in perpetuity on our cemetery register. A marker or plaque is also placed on the site.

Council's interment, burial licence and ongoing maintenance fees vary depending on time, day, location and choice of plot. Different fees also apply to grave sizes and depth. Reduced fees apply to residents of the Blue Mountains.

Scattering of ashes

There are a few things to think about if you wish to scatter ashes. Consider the location. Public places change regularly - gardens are removed and replanted, trees reach the end of their natural life and are taken away. Construction requiring earthworks can occur, and public access can change. If you prefer a long lasting option, a memorial site may be the best choice for you.

Dispersal of ashes on public or private land will always need the permission of the land owner or land manager. On public land Blue Mountains City Council have prohibited the scattering of ashes in certain locations including:

  • Into a water body.
  • On a footpath, walking track, playing field or near a picnic table.
  • At high tourism sites, such as district parks and prominent lookouts.
  • Above where rockclimbers and / or bushwalkers visit.
  • In places where people harvest plants for consumption

Burial on private land

Legislated approvals are in place for burial on private property that impact on timeliness and costs. Key is that the property must be at least 5 hectares, with the plot located away from any area that would likely contaminate waterways. A restriction on the title of the land will be required.

In planning ahead allow at least 6 months for approvals. As a first step, you need to apply for development consent.