Gold Coast cemeteries FAQs

We are currently working on an online tool for you to use. However, until then please call Cemeteries on 07 5581 6640 or email cemeteries@goldcoast.qld.gov.au for all enquiries regarding our burial records.

Yes. Adult graves are dug to a double depth to allow for two burials. This may exclude burials in monumental sites where access may not be possible. Most children's graves are dug to a single depth unless otherwise requested. Coffins are not disturbed when reopening a grave.

Yes, with an extra charge. The request needs to be made at the time of the first burial.

Yes, flowers may be placed on gravesites. One vase only is permitted in lawn cemeteries, which we supply. Glass jars are not permitted in any cemetery.

Yes, fresh flowers only and in the vase we supply.

No. If there is to be more than one interment in a grave site a double or triple plaque may need to be purchased.

Yes, there is an extra charge.

Yes there is a small charge, but no limit on the number of ashes placed.

Yes. There are specific areas set aside in some cemeteries for ashes interments such as gardens of remembrance and wall niches.

Yes, burial rights and interment fees can be prepaid for gravesites, but not the memorial plaque. Plaques are only purchased at need.

Ashes memorial sites can also be pre-purchased, i.e. ashes gardens and columbarium niches. Interment fees may be applicable at the time of interment.

After the death of the person, Council may permit a descendant or relative of the person, or the ashes of a descendant or relative, to be buried in the plot if there is sufficient room for more than one person to be buried in the plot.

Yes, at Southport Lawn and Mudgeeraba cemeteries only.

No. This cemetery follows the principles of internationally-recognised ‘green-burial’ or ‘natural earth’ burial. You are not obliged to use a coffin. You may choose to be buried wrapped simply in a shroud of biodegradable material such as silk, cotton or wool. However, if a coffin is used, it should be made from natural untreated materials such as pine, wicker or willow.

Normal coffins are made from chipboard (MDF) which is comprised of unknown timber and other synthetic organic compounds such as glues. These glues contain formaldehyde and other toxic volatile and environmentally persistent organic compounds. When the coffin breaks down these compounds are released into the immediate environment. Some travel away with the natural water flow or seep to the soil surface and are released as gas. Other environmentally persistent organic compounds bind to the surrounding soils and remain toxic for decades.

The Natural Burial Area uses no traditional or formal headstones. In fact, grave markers are not allowed at all. Accurate survey details of the grave boundary are recorded on a cemetery map. A copy of this map and GPS coordinates of the grave can be provided on request. The City can organise a memorial plaque be installed on the communal memorial tree at the entrance to the burial area.

Cremation is a convenient method for conducting a funeral, but it is costly in respect of natural resources and the impact upon the environment. Cremation discharges large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other toxic substances such as dioxins and heavy metals like mercury. Studies conducted by consultants engaged by the Centennial Park Authority (SA) also confirmed that cremation contributes an average of 160 kilograms of CO₂ to the atmosphere for each cremation. This study also revealed that in the life span of a conventional cemetery, burial in such was an even greater contributor of CO₂ due to repetitive maintenance.

No. The Natural Burial Area cemetery does not require extensive and repetitive maintenance compared to a conventional lawn cemetery. There is also no need for extensive roadways and other development infrastructure. There still remains some maintenance of the site relating to weeds and general safety.

No. We understand the desire of people to see life blossom from death and the desire to have a living monument of their life, however this is not healthy for the cemetery ecosystem. If each grave had a monument tree then the open forest vegetation pattern would alter drastically and result in the suppression of natural undergrowth grasses and adjoining monument trees. It is a part of the vegetation management plan for this site to ensure that the mature gum trees are not interfered with in any way. They form an integral part of the cemetery ecosystem by supporting fauna such as koala and possum and also feeding native birds.

The City carries out all digging of graves and any associated work. However, family members and friends may choose to partly or fully back-fill the grave after the interment.

For further information, please call 07 5581 6640 or email cemeteries@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.