DOUGLAS PARK MEMORIAL PARK

Rationale for the proposal and location

Greater Sydney is fast running out of burial space. Research shows that the city’s cemeteries will reach capacity in the next few years. See https://www.cemeteries.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/Statutory-Review-of-the-Cemeteries-Crematoria-Act.pdf

Wollondilly Shire sits within the South West Growth Area. This area has been prioritised by the NSW Government for the delivery of new homes, employment areas, health and education facilities, and key infrastructure to support new communities.

The population for Wollondilly is already increasing sharply with a projected annual growth rate that is almost three times higher than the state average.

The Douglas Park Memorial Park is located to support the rapidly growing local community of Wollondilly and surrounding local government areas.

Project history

The Wollondilly Shire Local Planning Panel approved a concept plan (DA/2018/780/1) for a cemetery comprising about 27,000 burial spaces in July 2020.

The applicant, Benima Pty Ltd, is preparing a planning application, called a State Significant Development Application (SSDA), to be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. 

The SSDA is for an overall site concept, called a Concept Plan, as well as detailed design for the first stage of planning for the cemetery, referred to as Stage 1.

The SSDA will request approval for 37,000 burial spaces, with approximately 15,000 plots proposed for stage 1.

About the SSDA and Concept Plan

The detailed design has been informed by a range of expert technical reports to ensure the proposal meets or exceeds all state and local government requirements including those of NSW Environmental Protection Authority; Water NSW; Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure; and Wollondilly Shire Council. These studies include:

•       Social and Health Impacts

•       Traffic and Transport

•       Flora and Fauna including Koala Assessment

•       Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

•       Environmental Heritage

•       Air Quality

•       Visual impact / View Analysis

•       Infrastructure including Power, Water and Sewer

•       Noise and Vibration

•       Groundwater

•       Bushfire

•       Flooding

•       Contamination

•       Waste Management

These reports will be available publicly when the SSDA goes on exhibition.

The Concept Plan includes the layout of the site, as well as an overall plan for a crematorium, chapel, vaults, remembrance sanctuaries, and associated groundworks and infrastructure.

Overall, the proposal includes:

• Approximately 37,000 burial plots overall delivered over seven stages and designed for all faiths with the stage 1 DA comprising approximately 15,000 burial plots
• A crematorium (to be constructed at a later stage) designed to protect air quality
• A chapel for all faiths, with seating for up to 230 mourners
• 10,500 square meters of open space for quiet reflection and remembrance sanctuaries which will be open to the public
• About 130 car parking spaces.

Construction of a crematorium is proposed for later stages. Importantly, there will be dedicated consultation aligned with the delivery of later stages.

More than 94% of the existing trees will be retained, and will provide on average a 30m vegetation buffer encircling the entire Park.

There will also be extensive landscaping and planting with drought tolerant species that are local to the area.

Managing impacts during construction

Sandstone forms the bedrock for much of the Sydney region and rock excavation is a standard part of working on sites. The bedrock for the proposed site for the Douglas Park Memorial Park is no exception, and some rock excavation will be needed.

All excavation works will be undertaken in accordance with an approved Construction Management Plan and conditions of development consent, as well as all NSW Environment Protection Authority requirements. This includes dust mitigation and noise management.