Natural Burial

Set in the natural bushland area, this environmentally sustainable option is in harmony with modern resource conservation activities. The purpose of a natural burial is to return the body to the earth in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition and allows the body to recycle naturally. It is intended as an environmentally sustainable funeral practice that will limit future hazards to public health and is in harmony with modern resource-conservation activities

Natural burials shall only occur in areas approved by the Shoalhaven City Council (Council). The plot location for every natural burial, within an approved area, shall be determined by the Bereavement Services Unit based on operational risk assessments and logistics.

For natural burials, the applicant's nominated funerary service provider must certify that:

• the body to be buried has not been partially or fully embalmed;
• pacemakers and other electronic implants are not present in the body;
• the body of the deceased is dressed only in fully biodegradable materials such as cotton;
• metal fixings to join the coffin should only be used where essential for structural purposes;
• the coffin in which the body will be contained:
• is constructed with rapid biodegradability in mind;
• is constructed from a renewable or recycled resource such as wicker, reeds, bamboo, plantation softwood, recycled paper, recycled cardboard or recycled softwood;
• utilises only materials that are known to be rapidly biodegradable;
• has handles made from hemp rope or another similar biodegradable product;
• must not use non-biodegradable liners; and
• contains only the body of the deceased.

After burial, access to the each grave may be restricted due to:

• work health and safety;
• local environment protection concerns;
• inclement weather; and
• the protection of the landscape.

Only natural cut or dried flowers may be left on or near the grave. Mementos or tributes of any other kind are not permitted on natural burial sites. They will be removed without notice and held by the Bereavement Services Office for collection for seven days after which time they will be disposed of.

A 75mm x 55mm cast bronze plaque is inscribed with name, lifespan and GPS coordinates of the burial place. Maps showing the location of natural burials can be obtained from the Bereavement Services office. Further details on natural burials and related application documents can be found below.

• Guidelines

Reserve a Burial Site