Orthodox Christian communities in Sydney face a looming burial space crisis, with most historic cemeteries expected to run out of capacity within the next year, new figures reveal.
Modelling by cemetery operator Metropolitan Memorial Parks shows Orthodox sections will be full at all but two of its sites across Sydney, placing the community under severe pressure to secure land for future burials.
The shortage is part of a wider problem affecting Muslim, Jewish, and other faith groups whose traditions require in-ground burial.
In a rare joint statement with Islamic and Jewish leaders, Orthodox representatives urged immediate government action.
“Sydney is fast running out of burial space – and for many faith and cultural communities, the situation is becoming critical,” the statement read.
“For Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox Christian and other culturally-bound burial traditions, there is no alternative to in-ground burial.”
Sydney’s largest cemetery, Rookwood, is projected to reach capacity by August 2027, but Orthodox sections across the city are expected to run out much sooner.
The government is considering converting golf courses into cemeteries, though the proposal has met local resistance.
Source: The Daily Telegraph.
