MEDIA RELEASE
CATHOLIC METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES TRUST (CMCT)
NSW Government Future Strategy for Cemeteries and Crematoria
28 March 2024
Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (CMCT) today supported the Government’s announcement of a formalised cemetery transformation strategy.
CMCT CEO, Lauren Hardgrove said, “This government was elected just one year ago. For Minister Kamper to have developed his vision so quickly for addressing cemetery reform is a welcome change after years of indecision and uncertainty in this sector.”
“CMCT has developed its business model on providing accessible, sustainable, and affordable burial and cremation services, so CMCT is keen to participate in this vision as it prepares to open its new, 113 hectare Macarthur Memorial Park at Varroville”. The opening in March 2025 will be the first fruit of Minister Kamper’s revitalised approach”, said Lauren Hardgrove.
“Land banking will be critical for growing Sydney’s burial capacity innovatively”, said the CMCT CEO. “It is refreshing to see that renewable tenure, common elsewhere in other States and internationally, is to form part of this strategy.”
On the new proposed operator levies, Ms Hardgrove said, “there are over 1,300 cemetery operators across NSW. For too long, only the 2 Crown Operators have borne this cost of contributing to the regulator CCNSW. We welcome the other operators joining us in making a modest contribution.”
“This strategic blueprint will benefit from widespread operator contribution as it is prepared for implementation,” said Ms Hardgrove. “CMCT is ready to be an active participant”.
Via Tim Allerton
City Public Relations
Ph: 0412 715 707
