Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou has launched a blistering attack on the Minns Government over its plan to transform Carnarvon Golf Course in Lidcombe into Sydney’s next major cemetery, describing the move as “disgraceful” and yet another blow to Western Sydney residents.
The Libertarian councillor accused the government of unfairly targeting his community, arguing that Western Sydney is already home to one of the largest cemeteries in the country, Rookwood.
“Once again the people of Western Sydney are being treated as second class citizens,” Mr Christou said on social media.
“Western Sydney already has a cemetery – one of the largest in Australia, Rookwood. It’s time the Eastern or Northern Suburbs pulled their weight. [The government] needs to keep their hands off our public green space.”
Backing Christou’s stance, Cumberland Council this week issued a statement rejecting Carnarvon Golf Course being used as a cemetery site. The council has called on the government to rule out the proposal immediately and explore alternative options across Sydney.
The plan, put forward by Metropolitan Memorial Parks (MMP), would create up to 70,000 burial plots at Carnarvon Golf Course. It has sparked widespread opposition, with residents, local councillors and State Labor MP Lynda Voltz all voicing strong objections.
Ms Voltz, the Member for Auburn, has branded the idea “shortsighted, lazy” and “a betrayal of public trust”, and will lead a community rally at Coleman Park this Sunday to demonstrate resistance to the plan.
Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed has also condemned the proposal, calling it “unfair” and urging the government to explore alternative sites in Sydney’s east or north rather than sacrificing green space in the west.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper last week confirmed that no final decision has been made, although Carnarvon remains MMP’s preferred option. A two-month consultation period is underway.
The proposal came after new figures revealed 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.
