Melbourne’s largest cemetery in 100 years planned for Melton, but some locals think it’s ‘creepy’

Plans for Victoria’s largest cemetery in 100 years have been released, with Indigenous people at the ‘heart’ of the design – but not all locals are on board.

The 128-hectare cemetery in Harkness, about 40 kilometers northwest of Melbourne’s CBD near Melton, will be built on traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people.

Released March 3, the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust’s “master plan” includes a cultural smoking ceremony space with potential for paths featuring sculptures and art from the Wurundjeri culture.

A ‘cultural backbone’ will run along Arnold’s Creek, giving visitors a quiet area to reflect and also learn about native environmental and cultural values.

Trust Chief Executive Andrew Eriksen said the proposed land celebrates indigenous people and culture while providing a space for people to mourn.

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust’s ‘master plan’ includes a cultural smoking ceremony space with potential for trails with sculptures and art of the Wurundjeri culture (photo, concept image of smoking ceremony space)

‘Recognizing Indigenous culture, and in particular celebrating land, people and spirit, are all elements that are fundamental principles for a site like this,’ said Mr Eriksen.

“(It’s also about) recognizing that death is a part of life, so people need a space that can recognize and support all the emotional states a person experiences during their lifetime.”

The masterplan argues that climate change, population density and demands for more space mean ‘single-use land becomes less viable’, with a ‘redesigned’ cemetery critical to Melbourne’s rapidly growing population.

The cemetery is expected to open in 2026 and will have enough space for burial and cremation for the next 150 years.

The first phase of development will be centered around the southern precinct, described in the master plan as a “community hub” for mourners and other visitors.

The precinct will have capacity for events, picnic and barbecue facilities, and areas for running and cycling.

The site, located on farmland on the edge of Melton’s growth boundary, has divided the local population.

Joyce Toway, a resident who lives opposite the campground, said the growing neighborhood needed more parks and rejected the idea of ​​using the cemetery as a family picnic spot.

“A cemetery is a cemetery,” said Mrs. Toway ABC news. “It’s very creepy, it’s very worrying.”

Ms Toway claims she was told the site had plans for a shopping center that would provide employment for the local population.

Ms Toway added that she would probably move if the cemetery is built.

The site is on farmland on the edge of Melton’s growth boundary, with new residential areas on one side and the remaining Gilgai Woodlands on the other

Pictured is an aerial view of the eastern boundary of the proposed site

Melton Multifaith Network Vice President Kulvinder Singh said he supported the cemetery to be used as a recreation space.

“People should go there to see what other people are doing and to learn from other cultures,” Singh told ABC News.

‘I think it’s a really good idea for people to get to know other cultures – Australia is a multicultural community.’

However, during the cemetery consultation, he expressed concern that the site did not have enough cremation space, particularly for members of the South Asian community.

“It is so important for us to follow the ritual that our elders have been doing for thousands and thousands of years,” Mr Singh said.

“It’s burning to let your soul go in a way according to the rituals.”

Further details of the cemetery will be provided in the next phase of the design.

Victoria’s largest cemetery is the 169-acre Springvale, established in 1901.

The Harkness site is more than three times the size of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.