Natural burials

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.

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.

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).

You can select a casket, coffin or shroud for the natural burials area, provided they are made out of natural materials.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ashes can be interred in the burial site, at a later date, if the ashes container is constructed from a permitted natural material.

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.

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.

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.