The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) has lodged a planning permit application to use and develop the Emerald Cemetery Southern Reserve, an extension to the existing Emerald Cemetery located at 150 Macclesfield Road, Avonsleigh.

Emerald Cemetery has served the local community for more than 100 years. As burial capacity at the existing cemetery reduces in the coming years, the Southern Reserve will allow this important community service to continue for future generations, ensuring residents can continue to access interment and memorialisation services locally.

Background

The Southern Reserve site was acquired in 2021 through a residents’ bequest. From the outset, the project has been shaped by extensive community and stakeholder engagement, including neighbouring residents, the Friends and Carers of Emerald Cemetery, environmental groups and the broader Emerald community.

Feedback gathered through community sessions, local events and online consultation has helped inform a cemetery design, with clear support for:

• Protecting the local environment

• Retaining the tranquil character of the area

• Providing sustainable options, including natural burials

Planning and environmental assessment

In 2025, GMCT lodged a planning application with Cardinia Shire Council. As part of the planning process, GMCT has refined its design and undertaken additional traffic and environmental reports to respond to questions posed by Council and referral authorities based on the requirements of the Cardinia Planning Scheme.

Council’s feedback and earlier community consultation are being carefully incorporated into the project design and environmental management approach. Importantly, almost 79% of the site will remain protected as conservation area, with only 2.3 hectares developed for cemetery use. The project is designed to minimise environmental impact and prioritise long‑term sustainability.

You may notice a public notice displayed on site or receive notification by mail regarding the planning permit application. If you have any questions or feedback at any stage, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Connect with us

GMCT will continue to keep residents and the broader community informed through letters, online updates and a community pop‑up at Emerald Cemetery, where people are welcome to stop by for a cuppa and a chat with the project team.

You can also follow the project and share feedback at:

https://yoursay.gmct.com.au/emerald-cemetery-southern-reserve or email us at community@gmct.com.au

While there will be some short-term disruption during construction, the Southern Reserve will deliver lasting benefits by ensuring Emerald residents can continue to be laid to rest locally, in a setting that reflects community values and respects the area’s natural environment.