Exhibition Item

Maitland City Council has reviewed and updated its Cemetery Policy to ensure it reflects current legislation, industry standards, and community expectations for the management of Council-operated cemeteries.

The policy provides the framework for the administration, maintenance, and operation of Council’s cemeteries, ensuring these important community spaces are managed respectfully, consistently, and in accordance with legal requirements.

The revised policy includes:

• Updates to align with changes to cemetery legislation and regulatory requirements that came into effect from September 2025.
• Clearer guidance on interment rights, including ownership, transfer, and administration processes.
• New provisions that allow, at Council’s discretion, the interment of cremated pet remains with human remains.
• Replacement of the previous licence framework with a permit system for works undertaken within cemeteries, providing clearer responsibilities and approval requirements.
• Enhanced provisions for monument and heritage management to support the preservation of significant memorials and cemetery heritage.
• Improved policy structure, definitions, and processes to make requirements easier to understand and apply.
• A commitment to annual policy reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with legislative and operational requirements.

The update ensures Council’s cemetery management practices remain compliant with current legislation and reflect contemporary industry standards. It also provides greater clarity for families, monument contractors, funeral service providers, and the community about how Council cemeteries are managed.

The revised policy supports the respectful operation of cemeteries while protecting heritage values, maintaining community expectations, and ensuring consistent decision-making.

Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed policy before it is considered for final adoption.