A proposal to convert the Carnarvon Golf Course in Lidcombe, Sydney, into a cemetery has sparked significant criticism from local officials. The plan, which is set to be formally presented to residents on October 24, 2023, has been labelled as “lazy and short-sighted” by Auburn MP Lynda Voltz. She argues that the government has already made its decision and is merely going through the motions of consultation.
The Carnarvon Golf Course is a government-owned property, and the Metropolitan Memorial Parks (MMP) has identified it as the preferred site for a “modern memorial park.” The site is in proximity to the existing Rookwood Cemetery, which is crucial for reducing potential acquisition costs elsewhere. MMP CEO Denise Ora stated that there is a “pressing” need for burial space, with approximately 10,000 people buried annually in Sydney.
Lynda Voltz has expressed concerns about the government’s approach, asserting that the conversion would deprive the local community of valuable green space. “Why do we have to be Sydney’s burial site?” she questioned, highlighting the urgency of finding alternative solutions. The demand for burial plots is particularly acute, with Islamic burial plots at Rookwood projected to be exhausted within three years and Armenian Orthodox plots at Macquarie Park likely running out in just two-and-a-half years.
Voltz fears that the plan could set a precedent, leading to further encroachments on local recreational spaces. “Once the golf course is full, there is no way the soccer fields won’t be next,” she warned.
Despite the concerns raised, MMP has assured that the proposal will incorporate elements beneficial to the community, including green space and walking paths. “Our vision for the Carnarvon site is to create a modern memorial park that not only meets essential burial needs but provides a public space for the whole community,” Ora explained.
The Carnarvon Golf Club, which holds a lease on the site until 2035, is also feeling the pressure. General Manager Adam McGregor mentioned that members have expressed uncertainty over the future of the course, stating that they were initially assured of their security until the lease expires. Lands Minister Steve Kamper confirmed that the lease cannot be terminated without mutual agreement.
McGregor voiced his concerns about the lack of alternative options being presented during the consultation process. “If the consultation was genuine, an alternative option would have been presented to the community,” he said.
As the consultation period begins, the local community remains divided over the proposed cemetery. With a pressing need for burial space in Sydney and the local MP’s strong opposition, this issue is likely to remain a focal point for discussions in the coming weeks.
