Rookwood Necropolis Plan of Management
February 2014
Contents
Minister’s introduction 3
Chairs’ introduction 5
1. Vision 7
2. Planning context 9 Rookwood the place 9 Rookwood’s challenges 10 Governance 10 Communication 12 This plan of management 16 Related management plans 17 Statutory framework 19
3. Rookwood’s history and values 23 The place and its history 23 Financial imperatives 24 Heritage and social values 25 Ecological and environmental values 26 Visual values 29 Management Units 33
4. Towards sustainability 35 Demand and supply 35 Financial sustainability 38 Sustainable burial practices 41 Ecological and environmental issues 44 Heritage and cultural landscape 46 Infrastructure 48 Governance and communication 51 Management unit policies 53
5. Strategy and plan 63 Adopt sustainable management practices- (and burial practices) 64 Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment 66 Strengthen management through collaboration 68 Respect for cultural diversity and equitable allocation of resources 69 Raise the profile of Rookwood as a resource for the whole of Sydney 70
6. Glossary 73
7. Appendix A – Two Trust Memorandum of Understanding 77
8. Appendix B – Index of Reference Documents 91
Plan of Management 002 MINISTER’S INTRODUCTION
SYDNEY WAR CEMETERY
ROOKWOOD MINISTER’S INTRODUCTION 003
Minister’sintroduction
I am pleased to introduce this Plan of Management for Rookwood Necropolis, Australia’s most significant cemetery and the largest in the Southern hemisphere.
The NSW Government is committed to ensuring burial needs are met now and in the future, and this is the next step in the Government’s reforms of cemetery management and governance.
The Plan provides a strong focus on sustainability, in three key areas: ~~ continued sustainable use of the land for burials or cremations; ~~ the environment and preservation of the heritage values of the site; and ~~ respect for the religious and cultural beliefs and practices of all communities.
The recently streamlined ‘two trust’ structure for Rookwood will help deliver these outcomes.
A key feature of the Plan is the division of Rookwood into 24 geographical areas or ‘management units’, distinct from the trust administrative boundaries, reflecting the principal management priorities of each area.
The Plan has been developed through a comprehensive consultation process ensuring that the views of the former denominational trusts at Rookwood, other stakeholders, and the broader community have been considered.
The Plan of Management is presented in an innovative format. It is designed to be a flexible document which can be amended to reflect changes to the plan over time and it will be available online.
The NSW Government is undertaking the most significant reforms since the 1860s when Rookwood Cemetery was established, and I look forward to the successful implementation of this Plan.
Katrina Hodgkinson MP Minister for Primary Industries
20 February 2014
Plan of Management 004 CHAIRS’ INTRODUCTION
CROWN OF THORNS SHRINE Located in Catholic Trust lawn.
ROOKWOOD CHAIRS’ INTRODUCTION 005
Chairs’introduction
On 1st July 2009 the Rookwood Necropolis Trust (RNT) was established under the provisions of the Rookwood Necropolis Repeal Act 2009 to manage Rookwood’s infrastructure and common areas, and to prepare this Plan of Management for the entire Necropolis.
On 2 April 2012, the Minister for and General, and Independent Trusts. Secondly, the site at Rookwood Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson The Rookwood Necropolis Trust boasts a plethora of flora and fauna MP, announced the first stage (RNT) remains in place as the entity and a glorious array of protected of cemetery reform in NSW. Key responsible for common lands and species and eco systems, unique to aspects of the announcement were whole-of-Rookwood functions, but is Sydney. There are significant heritage a streamlined ‘two trust’ structure now managed by a three-person board aspects of the cemetery demanding for Rookwood Necropolis and comprising the CEO from each of the protection and conservation, critical establishment of an overarching NSW two operational trusts and a nominee to the sustainability of the site. The Cemeteries and Crematoria Board with of the Minister as Chair. Rookwood trustees will be guided by functions and powers under a single This is a wonderful, positive Heritage and Environmental legislation Cemeteries and Crematoria Act. arrangement, cemented by a in our governance. These reforms are rightly regarded Memorandum of Understanding, which Thirdly, there is the need to as the most far-reaching for over will ensure the future sustainability of preserve all the aspects of religious 100 years and came about with the the Cemetery. It is an arrangement and cultural beliefs and practices at support of the O’Farrell Government based on mutual respect and mutual Rookwood. All must be accorded the and the initiative and drive of Minister obligations. dignity of interment according to the Katrina Hodgkinson. Those responsible Rookwood cemetery in 2013 multiplicity of beliefs. All must have for driving the reforms include the has three aspects which need to equity in their quest for cemetery lands. Minister’s Chief of Staff and Policy be integrated to ensure its social, This is a fundamental commitment of Adviser, Tim Scott and Ilse van de economic and environmental viability. the Minister’s reform process. Meent respectively, Ahmad Kamaledine Firstly, Rookwood was established These three concepts are the from the Muslim community, David in 1867 as a cemetery. It is still, interlocking threads which together Knoll from the Jewish Board of first and foremost, a cemetery. The form the basis of the Rookwood Deputies, Leo McLeay and Peter previous RNT Board expressed it thus: Plan of Management. Put simply, O’Meara from the Catholic Church, “the original 19th century purpose they are the three objectives of the Derek Williams from Rookwood, and of Rookwood remains today; the Rookwood Cemetery. Craig Sahlin from the Department. disposition of Sydney’s dead”. It is a Clearly, those customs and practices The Rookwood ‘two trust’ structure place where people are buried, or now currently in vogue are sacrosanct. No is a partnership between the Catholic cremated, with the utmost dignity and one would argue against the principle Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and the respect. It is a place where different that there is an inalienable right for new integrated Rookwood General religious and cultural beliefs are people to be buried, nor would there Cemeteries Reserve Trust. The new protected and where families can rest be an objection to the conservation of General Trust services all the faith their loved ones, should they choose, the various heritage and threatened communities previously serviced by on consecrated land. species aspects of the cemetery. the former Muslim, Jewish, Anglican
Plan of Management 06 CHAIRS’ INTRODUCTION
In pursuing these objectives, the For example, there should This Plan of Management is the Rookwood trustees must consider ultimately be a common accounting guiding instrument for Rookwood the broader cemetery reform framework for all cemeteries in Necropolis and is based on the agenda. The driving purpose of the NSW, and Rookwood will be used principles enunciated above. The Minister’s reforms is to ensure that as a pilot study for this initiative. Memorandum of Understanding cemetery needs for current and future The idea that all Trusts should have between the Catholic and General generations are met now and into the separate accounting and IT systems Trusts will help drive its effective future. How can Rookwood and this is anathema to effective and efficient implementation. Plan of Management play its part in the governance. The former Rookwood It is important to acknowledge broader reform agenda? Trusts also suffered from duplication of the previous RNT Board and in The Rookwood objectives must effort, over-expenditure on third-party particular we would like to thank its be delivered under the principle of service providers, and inconsistent Chair John Desmond for his tireless sustainability. The most significant policies and procedures. and selfless work. threat to the sustainability of We will develop training courses Rookwood is clearly the declining for the industry and we will share our land space available for burials. The innovations and creativity. We will The Hon. Leo McLeay Rookwood Plan of Management must offer expertise to other cemeteries on Chair, Catholic Metropolitan be the overarching and interlocking Plans of Management, future revenue Cemeteries Trust driving force that ensures a sustainable streams from new products, revitalising future for the site. old methodologies, and shared access Sections of Rookwood are under- to personnel. utilised and will be analysed for Rookwood will demonstrate the Robert (Bob) Wilson potential use as burial space. The road ability to protect its natural heritage Chair, Rookwood General network at Rookwood is also inefficient through a combination of conservation Cemetery Reserve Trust and we will undertake studies to and preservation, and the lessons improve access and egress and as a learned will be transferred to other by-product regain valuable land. cemeteries. Rookwood will also The so-called “pauper areas” of initiate policies to overcome the David Harley AM dwindling land supply available for Rookwood also need re-evaluation Chair, Rookwood Necropolis Trust as to how we can preserve the burial that can serve as a model for dignity of burial, irrespective of the the rest of the State. We will make circumstances in which these people Rookwood the centre of excellence for died. Our view is that the dignity of NSW cemeteries. burial has no boundaries. These areas should be recognised as equal to any others and should be in a similar condition.
ROOKWOOD CHAIRS’ INTRODUCTION 007
Plan of Management 008 VISION
SANDSTONE LOGIA ENTRY TO SYDNEY WAR CEMETERY
ROOKWOOD INTRODUCTION VISION 009
Vision In December 2009 representatives from all of Rookwood’s management organisations met to agree a vision that would support the development of this plan of management.
The meeting began by developing period of this plan but that That the cemeteries within the Rookwood a picture of what Rookwood need to be anticipated when Necropolis be managed as attractive and may look like in fifty years’ formulating it. sustainable resources for disposition of the dead time. This period was chosen All recognised that there and promoted to families and communities within because current studies show were important matters that Sydney and related communities as the preferred that the land available for burial in could not be addressed by destination of the deceased. Whilst promoting Rookwood will be fully allocated, good management alone. the Necropolis as a cemetery continues to be if not buried out, by 2060. Principal among these its primary purpose, the Necropolis lands and There was general agreement was renewable tenure, management will also provide for: about a number of external something that would have ~~ Conservation, interpretation and presentation influences that will affect a significant impact on the of important and representative samples of future management strategies. longevity of Rookwood and the built and natural environment Population growth and density, its sustainability but is in the ~~ Conservation of threatened species in a changing demographics, global hands of the legislators. manner consistent with sustainability of warming, trends in disposition of The spirit of the meeting the cemeteries the dead and increasing costs can be captured by a concise ~~ Public access, including appropriate passive of compliance were among the statement of a vision for recreational use potential drivers of change. Rookwood that reflected these ~~ The principles of sustainable land-use The process therefore elements, but also made a management. confronted challenges that comment about its primary Rookwood will face beyond the and continuing purpose:
Plan of Management 010 PLANNING CONTEXT
The original 19th century purpose of Rookwood remains today: the disposition of Sydney’s dead.”
ROOKWOOD Rookwood the place PLANNING CONTEXT 011
Planningcontext This introductory section describes the need for a new Plan of Management for Rookwood, its scope, the dynamic environment in which the plan is set and the management bodies that will be required to meet these challenges over the period of the plan. The new plan builds on the strengths of the 1993 plan of management.
Rookwood the place The word ‘necropolis’ was coined in the early 1800s and in Greek means, literally, a city of the dead. This is a fitting designation for Rookwood. It is its own suburb with its own postcode, exceeds the CBD of Sydney in size and is the largest cemetery in the southern hemisphere. And like Sydney, Rookwood is divided into a number of self- governing jurisdictions each with its own workforce, and population that requires regular services. It also contains the biodiversity of a park and is a rich source of history; a timeline of people, culture, and customs stretching back over 150 years. The original 19th century purpose of Rookwood remains today: the disposition of Sydney’s dead. This simple statement hides the complexities faced by those whose responsibility it is to manage Rookwood day-to-day. While the word ‘disposition’ is used to include cremation, burial and other forms of interment, it does not convey the sensitivities required to manage the daily visitation of grief Figure 1 Location plan that accompanies the relatives and friends of the departed. Neither does it adequately describe the care that needs to be taken to ensure the many cultures, rituals and codes are respected in the process of ‘laying to rest’.
Plan of Management 012 PLANNING CONTEXT GOVERNANCE
Rookwood’s challenges Governance
Rookwood’s managers face the challenges The Governance arrangements at Rookwood are determined by presented by the different faces of sustainability: the Minister and during the preparation of this plan a ‘Two Trust’ 1. There is diminishing space for burial and management structure was implemented as part of the NSW Rookwood is likely to be full within 50 years. cemetery reforms announced in April 2012. This section describes the new model, and the historical reasons that led to it to be restructured 2. There is an expectation that management from six to three Trusts. will accrue funds for the long-term care and maintenance after Rookwood is ‘buried out’. The operation of Rookwood, and therefore the responsibility for meeting the challenges it faces, is currently undertaken by 3. Its governance is complex. The Necropolis is four bodies, including the two Trusts jointly responsible for overall managed by four operating entities. management of the cemetery. The Rookwood Necropolis Trust (RNT) 4. Each management body has to acknowledge remains in place as the entity responsible for common lands and responsibilities that go beyond the financial. whole-of-Rookwood functions, but is now managed by a three person These include: board comprising the CEOs of the two Trusts and a nominee of the a. Legislative: the cemetery industry Minister as Chair appointed by the Minister. The four bodies are: operates in a complex legislative ~~ The Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust (RGCRT) environment where the costs of compliance ~~ Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (CMCT) are significant ~~ Lessee of the crematorium (Invocare) b. Religious and cultural preferences: respect for these is paramount, in many ~~ Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC a lessee of cases precluding the most efficient use RGCRT and Commonwealth of Australia licensee for the Garden of land of Remembrance). c. History: Rookwood’s significance as The plan primarily concerns the two Trusts. a source of Sydney’s history overlays a Figure 2 Spheres of influence responsibility to be custodians of heritage IC INTER d. Biodiversity: threatened species BL ES PU T legislation reduces management’s scope to
maximise revenue and therefore long term burial, cremation, memorialisation, financial security. religious/cultural needs, heritage & environmental interests, recreation, This context is further complicated by genealogy, financial Rookwood being a place where other interests, including some well beyond the boundaries of the Necropolis, intersect and need to be taken into account when making the plan. Figure 2 G O depicts the range of stakeholders and their V E T R interests in Rookwood. S N E
M R
E E
T service to legislative compliance N
N T
I
denominational / in land use, heritage,
I N
T cultural interests, environment, health S
financial viability, land etc; land management T
E U
R
R availability, costs of effectiveness, financial E
T compliance viability over long term S T
ROOKWOOD GOVERNANCE PLANNING CONTEXT 013
The period from 2009 to June 2012 largely unshackled Rookwood from its past governance arrangements, and legislated a new structure that aspired to better meet current and future challenges.”
Background to the 2012 restructure In 2009 the Rookwood (g) sewerage and septic The governance of Rookwood was shaped in Necropolis Act was repealed systems; the late 1850s when, during the planning for the and the Joint Committee of (h) garbage collection services; Necropolis Trustees abolished. cemetery, neither the Church of England nor (i) electricity services; and the Roman Catholic Church could agree on a In its place the Crown Lands (j) the Serpentine Canals one trust model of managing the affairs of the Act was amended to create the On 29 June, the Minister Necropolis. As a result, the area was subdivided RNT to which the Minister for appointed the new RNT along denominational lines according to the Lands appointed trustees with trustees and on 15 August the census of 1861 and managed under terms specialist knowledge of cemetery RGCRT and CMCT signed the outlined in the 1867 Necropolis Act. management. Memorandum of Understanding. Over time this arrangement created a number On 27 April 2012 the NSW of challenges. government took the first step to Other management bodies implement the two Trust model. While the demographics of Sydney changed, Invocare is a public company The land allocated to the Catholic Rookwood’s boundaries were almost fossilised in that leases the crematorium land Cemeteries Board remained the 1860s. As space for burial diminished it was from the Crown. The Australian unchanged but the Anglican, the recent arrivals, such as the growing Muslim War Graves section is leased General, Jewish, Muslim and community around Rookwood, that ran out of from the Anglican and General Independent Trusts were space first. The 19th century allocations also failed Trust to the Commonwealth dissolved and a new body, the to keep pace, with the Jewish Cemetery Trust – War Graves Commission for Rookwood General Cemeteries which conducted the first burial at Rookwood in the Sydney War Cemetery Reserve Trust, created to 1867 – also with limited space by 2009. and the Commonwealth of manage the land dedicated to Australia for the Garden of The management of those areas outside them. denominational boundaries - unallocated lands Remembrance. The commission Soon after this, the Minister and common infrastructure - was undertaken by and the Commonwealth of directed the two trusts to the Joint Committee of Necropolis Trustees, a Australia have responsibility draw up a memorandum body created in an amendment to the Necropolis for maintaining the individual of understanding to cover Act in 1901. This body could have been the forum graves of eligible veterans within all matters relating to the in which many of the structural shortcomings other Trust boundaries. Figure 3 management and administration were overcome. However rarely was it able to describes the boundaries of the of the common property reach consensus on the strategic questions such two Trusts while also showing including but not limited to the as more equitable land allocation. Indeed the the previous Trusts, now rights and responsibilities of each 2009 Department of Lands instructions for this amalgamated into the RGCRT, of the two Trusts in relation to: Plan of Management emphasised the importance and the conservation areas. of cooperation between Trusts and an outward (a) perimeter fencing and set Consideration will need to be looking approach to future management. back; given to renewing existing leases, (b) opening and closing gates; including the lease to Invocare, 2012 restructure (c) roads in common use; under this Plan. The period from 2009 to June 2012 largely (d) security services; unshackled Rookwood from its past governance arrangements, and legislated a new structure (e) use of offices and buildings Appendix A that aspired to better meet current and future formerly occupied by the challenges. Rookwood Necropolis Trust; Two Trust Memorandum (f) water main; of Understanding
Plan of Management 014 PLANNING CONTEXT GOVERNANCE
Figure 3 Map of trust boundaries and denominational sections
Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust Vegetation areas Conserved (PMP 2008) Denominational sections
CATHOLIC
ANGLICAN
GENERAL
INDEPENDENT
JEWISH
GENERAL
CREMATORIUM WAR GRAVES
MUSLIM
CATHOLIC
ROOKWOOD GOVERNANCE PLANNING CONTEXT 015
Major work timeline Since the last Plan of Management 1993, a considerable number of projects have been completed. This has included buildings, landscape works, volunteer actions, upgrades to roads, vegetation and heritage conservation. Although many actions remain to be done, the timeline identifies achievements at Rookwood. It will be important that this plan continues these works and allows for an acceleration of activities within Rookwood to meet the often competing and complex demands of this Necropolis.
Figure 4 Major work timeline
East Street new entry/gates constructed. Indigenous Vegetation Surveyed – as significant. Primary road implementation – Necropolis Drive and 1993 Friends of Rookwood continue regular tours. Cohen Avenue upgraded with tree avenue. Sewer and Water main installed. 1994 Annual bush regeneration work in response to indigenous vegetation survey and Threatened 1995 Species Conservation Act 1995. Boundary planting program commenced. 1996 Road Hierarchy confirmed- Hawthorne Avenue (part) upgraded including tree avenue. 1997
Catholic Trust Mausoleum opened. 1998
Independent Trust Mausoleum opened. Flora and 1999 Restoration of Serpentine in No 1 Anglican and Fauna Survey updated. Catholic Trust – Federation Trust Grant. 2000 Mortuary Station No. 1 Interpretive structure opened following receipt of Grant money. Memorial Ave (part) Primary Road upgrade 2001 Vegetation Conservation areas ground truthed – including tree avenue. adoption of Property Management Plan. 2002 Annual bush regeneration work continues – audits and reporting to State authorities. 2003
2004
2005
2006 Restoration of Quong Sin Tong monument
Necropolis Drive (part) upgraded including tree 2007 Catholic Trust Crematorium commences operation. avenue.
2008 Catholic Trust John Paul 11 Crypt on Sheehy Sheehy Avenue upgraded. Avenue completed. Jewish Trust commences restoration of No 1 areas. 2009 Reflections Café and flower shop opened near Strathfield entry gate. Lot 10 Construction commenced. 2010
Crypts completed in Independent Trust area. 2011 Jewish Trust office opened.
Plan of Management 016 PLANNING CONTEXT THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
The 2013 plan is designed as a living document which can be amended regularly during This Plan of Management its life, subject to the constraints set out in Part 5 of the Cemeteries and This latest plan is being prepared ~~ Part 1 The Plan of Management: Crematoria Act”. on the direction of the Minister a concise document that contains under the provisions of 92(6b) of the an account of the background, The 2013 plan is produced in Crown Lands Act 1989. Specifically vision, strategies and management two formats: the Minister stated that the RNT principles that will deliver the plan. ~~ Hard copy of the Plan of must undertake ‘the preparation, in ~~ Part 2 Supporting documents: Management, the Two Trust consultation with other trust managers, detailed background Memornadum of Understanding of a draft Plan of Management for all documentation to each part of the (Appendix A) and an index of lands within the Necropolis’. The scope plan, including related plans. reference documents (Appendix B) of this plan therefore goes beyond The philosophy behind this plan ~~ A web version of the above at the specific functions of the RNT and is to build upon the strengths of www.rookwood.nsw.gov.au with covers the whole of the Necropolis. recent management practices in a links to reference documents. It takes a different approach to its way that will ensure the long term This will be the format that will predecessor, the 1993 Rookwood sustainability of Rookwood as a change over time. Plan of Management which in total cemetery. Where there is scope for comprised seven volumes. The 2013 improvement, or differences of opinion plan is designed as a living document between Rookwood’s operating which can be amended regularly entities, the plan presents pathways to during its life, subject to the constraints improved practices. set out in Part 5 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act. It has two parts:
Reference Documents Ministerial directions Rookwood Plan of Management 1993 LPMA Chief Executive’s letter Repeal of the Rookwood Necropolis Act 2009
ROOKWOOD RELATED MANAGEMENT PLANS PLANNING CONTEXT 017
Related management plans
A number of supporting documents and related Traffic Study – Canals Study – management plans are already in place but the the preliminary work on the the management of these remainder of the plans will be developed over delineation of the primary and features will be impacted both by time. The most important planning elements are: secondary roadwork has already their significant heritage values Property Management Plan – been completed but more and their role in stormwater this is already in place and covers the detailed planning of the feeder and drainage management. management of the vegetation conservation roads and consideration of any This study has been updated areas, including threatened/vulnerable species and alterations to the road network to in 2010 with recommended endangered ecological communities management. service recent developments will structural improvements. Complimentary to this plan are a number of be necessary. Traffic studies may Landscape Master Plan – reports and audits. need to be updated at regular this is a critical part of the intervals to cope with changes in Conservation Management Plan – planning framework and will be both the cemetery usage patterns this has not been updated from the previous one of the first segments of the and the impact of the surrounding recommendations in the 1993 Plan of ongoing planning work after the suburban and metropolitan traffic Management. When updated it will include an Plan of Management is approved. network. A high priority is the Interpretation Plan to incorporate all values, The aim will be to develop a commissioning of a road condition including Aboriginal. Complimentary to the CMP coherent approach to landscape report on the remaining life and are a number of completed reports: management while preserving condition of the key segments of important heritage values, identify ~~ Significant buildings and monuments the road hierarchy. tree planting and replacement register – this covers a condition report of Infrastructure programs. Complementary to this existing buildings and monuments along with Management Plan – plan is the development of: suggested priorities the infrastructure needs to ~~ Significant Tree Register ~~ Archaeological appraisal of sites of Former service the cemetery operations Buildings – this identifies these sites and ~~ Tree Management Policy. with the level of convenience and provides management recommendations. Information Plan – operational efficiency balanced this covers both internal and ~~ Aboriginal archaeology study against the construction and external information users. Environmental Management Plan – maintenance cost. It will be The internal management this is to be prepared within the Plan of Management important to develop a set of information set will need to framework and will include environmental cemetery wide principles and cover infrastructure condition sustainability policies including low carbon priorities for future investment. and usage characteristics. The emissions, energy use and waste management. externally oriented information will cover burials, cremations and any other information likely to be accessed by the general public. Disaster Management Plan – this covers disaster contingencies and policies.
Plan of Management 018 PLANNING CONTEXT RELATED PLANS OF MANAGEMENT
Figure 5 Related management plans
More detailed descriptions of the structure of the related management plans is in the supporting documents.
Property Management Plan Status: Endangered Ecological Communities and Threatened Vulnerable Review due 2012 species/populations. Complementary Reports: ~~ Bushland Plan of Management ~~ Threatened Plant Census ~~ Audits
Landscape Master Plan Complementary Reports Status: to be undertaken ~~ Significant Tree Register during this current Plan ~~ Tree Management Policy ~~ Signage policy
Conservation Management Plan Complementary Reports Status: to be undertaken ~~ Significant Buildings and Monuments Register during this current Plan ~~ Archaeology Appraisal of Former buildings Status: complete ~~ Aboriginal Archaeology Study Status: complete ~~ Interpretation Plan: to be completed
Environmental Management Plan Status: to be undertaken during this current Plan
Traffic StudyComplementary Reports 1. Road hierarchy – Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Road network Status: to be updated 2. Road conditions Status: to be undertaken in this current Plan
Infrastructure Management Plan Status: to be undertaken
PLAN OF MANAGEMENT ~~ Annual Capital Works Program – RNT and annually denominational Trusts
Canal Study Status: complete
Information Plan Status: to be updated
Disaster Management Plan Status: to be updated as part of this current Plan
ROOKWOOD STATUTORY FRAMEWORK PLANNING CONTEXT 019
Statutory framework
Cemeteries and crematoria operate in a complex legal environment in which at least 40 separate Acts of Parliament, regulations and religious canons and codes apply. Most relevant to this Plan of Management are: Legislation Summary Cemeteries and Crematoria The primary purpose of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act is to ensure that the Act 2013 burial needs of current and future generations are met in a way that respects and upholds the beliefs of all religious and cultural groups. To do this, the Act establishes a new Cemeteries Agency to provide strategic oversight and sensible regulation of the cemetery industry for the first time in NSW. The intention is to increase transparency and accountability and improve service delivery to the community. The Act also enables the implementation of sustainable burial practices, such as renewable interment rights, on the basis of choice and non-retrospectivity. Importantly, the Act establishes a new governance regime for the Crown cemetery sector to ensure that cemeteries on public land are managed in accordance with best practice and in a way that ensures their long-term sustainability. Reserving land and designating its purpose, and establishing a trust for the care, control and management of reserved land, are matters covered by the Crown Lands Act 1989. However, once established, Crown cemetery trusts are regulated by the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act. The Part 5 governance arrangements include a range of provisions that regulate and standardise the administration and management of Crown cemetery trusts across the State. The Act re-enacts and strengthens many provisions from the Crown Lands legislation framework, including implementing new annual reporting requirements for all Crown cemetery trusts. The Act gives the Minister Support Documents the power to appoint and replace trust boards, and the Cemeteries Agency can Cemeteries and Crematoria direct a Crown cemetery trust to prepare a plan of management. Acto 2013 The financial contributions that the trusts are required to make for maintenance of common lands and other whole-of-Rookwood functions are covered in Schedule 5 of the Act. Crown Lands Act 1989 The objects of the Act are to ensure that such land is managed for the benefit of and regulations the people of NSW in accordance with the land management principles defined in section 11 of the Act. Under Part 5 of this Act, Rookwood is dedicated as a Support Documents cemetery and a reserve trust is charged with its care, control and management. Land Management Principles This Act provides guidance as to the financial powers of reserve trusts and the The Crown Lands Act 1989 type of financial controls to be implemented. The Crown Lands Regulation 2006
Heritage Act 1977 The Heritage Act 1977 provides a number of mechanisms by which items and places of heritage significance may be protected. The Rookwood Necropolis is listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR) for its State heritage significance. The majority of areas which formed the initial allocations of Rookwood Necropolis are listed on the Register, (Catholic, Anglican, Jewish and Independent No. 1 areas). However, the No.1 General Cemetery area is not currently included in the SHR Listing.
Plan of Management 020 PLANNING CONTEXT STATUTORY FRAMEWORK
Legislation Summary The Heritage Council of NSW’s approval is required for any proposed development within the site. This includes subdivision and other activities such as alterations or other works to the grounds or structures; disturbance of archaeological relics; display of signage or advertisements; removal of trees or other vegetation. Approvals to undertake controlled activities are made under Section 60 of the Heritage Act. As part of the application to undertake works, a Statement of Heritage Impact must also be submitted. Work that may disturb, destroy, remove or expose relics situated within the SHR boundary would require a Section 60 (excavation permit) approval, except where Support Documents carried out in accordance with a gazetted exemption outlined in Section 57(2) of the Heritage Act. If an exemption applies, notification and endorsement by the Heritage Act 1977 Heritage Council may be required before works are undertaken. Environmental Planning and The Necropolis is zoned SP1 Special Activities – Cemetery under the Auburn Assessment Act 1979 Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2010. Ongoing operational matters involving the maintenance of existing infrastructure such as roads, or the creation of new graves, the erection of monuments, or the disturbance of grounds for the purpose of repairing monuments or grave markers on individual grave sites do not require development consent. More significant forms of new developments such as administration buildings, works compounds, vaults, crypts and mausoleums do require development consent. The Plan of Management authorises specific development. However, some development is restricted by the plan though it may be permissible according to the LEP. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Support Documents require all development applications obtain owners consent (the Department of Primary Industries) to ensure consistency with the Plan of Management. In addition, Environmental Planning & all development applications within the Rookwood Necropolis will be required to Assessment Act 1979 include heritage and environmental impact assessments. Threatened Species The NSW threatened species legislation and the Commonwealth environmental Conservation Act 1995 protection and biodiversity legislation are part of the statutory framework affecting the indigenous vegetation at Rookwood. These pieces of legislation are concerned with threatened, vulnerable and endangered flora and fauna and are protected and Support Documents managed by the Property Management Plan (PMP). The PMP controls the operations of works that may disturb these species. The PMP operates over a 10 year period Threatened Species with monitoring and auditing of operational activities occurring on a regular basis. Conservation Act 1995 A final audit of the first 10 years of implementation will occur in 2012. Public Health Regulation Part 8 Public Health Regulation 2012 controls the activities of cemetery and 2012, Part 8 cremation authorities and any businesses engaged in the transportation, storage, burial, cremation or exhumation of human remains. Support Documents Public Health Regulation 2012, Part 8
ROOKWOOD PLANNING CONTEXT 021
ROOKWOOD GARDENS CREMATORIUM
Plan of Management 022 HISTORY AND VALUES
The Government of New South Wales embarked on a great Victorian enterprise – mirrored only ten years earlier at Brookwood outside London – the search for a large enough parcel of land to bury Sydney’s dead in perpetuity.”
MORTUARY STATION No. 1 James Barnet, Architect. Opened in 1869 servicing trains from the Mortuary Station at Central. Source: The Sleeping city : the story of Rookwood Necropolis / edited by David A. Weston
ROOKWOOD THE PLACE AND ITS HISTORY HISTORY AND VALUES 023
Rookwood’shistory and values
Rookwood Necropolis is located within Auburn Council, adjacent to Strathfield and Lidcombe. It occupies an area of some 286 hectares.
The place and its history The recent management name change to Lidcombe. By arrangements owe their the mid 20th century Rookwood Prior to European settlement the traditional owners existence to this period. As was falling into disrepair with of the area now occupied by Rookwood were the Carol Liston recorded in her inadequate maintenance, 1 Wangal people, a Darug language speaking ‘clan’ history of Rookwood, during the vandalism and other nefarious group. The Wangal group originally extended from planning phases ‘the Church of activities within its boundaries Sydney Cove westerly to Parramatta. England and Roman Catholics with the result, it is claimed, that The Haslem Creek Cemetery, as Rookwood refused to participate in any ‘crook as Rookwood’ entered the was originally named, was the result of urban general cemetery that did not Australian lexicon. encroachment. By the 1840s, only half a century allow them separate trustee, Today visitors to Rookwood after the arrival of the First Fleet, Sydney’s third separate consecrated sites and see a better managed public cemetery at Devonshire Street was facing the fencing for the privacy of each space whose primary purpose same fate as its predecessors: it was running denomination’. The end result remains the disposition of the out of space and suffering from urbanisation. was that the new cemetery was dead. However, history may Land values were increasing, and for a young city divided into denominational be catching up with it. Like there were better uses for the space it occupied, areas according to the 1861 Devonshire Street before it, urban ultimately in this case Central Railway Station. census, the terms of which encroachment has increased In response the Government of New South were legislated in the 1867 land values at the same time as Wales embarked on a great Victorian enterprise Necropolis Act. The first burial the cemetery is running out of – mirrored only ten years earlier at Brookwood occurred in the same year, when space for burial. There are now outside London – the search for a large enough six denominations had been approaching one million people parcel of land to bury Sydney’s dead in perpetuity. allocated land. interred in Rookwood and some Preconditions included being far enough away from Rookwood’s reputation estimates believe there will be centres of population, appropriate soil, adequate has always been variable. The no more space within the next drainage and convenient transportation. In 1862, residents of Haslem’s Creek did fifty years. Perpetuity was a four years after Haslem’s Creek station opened, this not like their association with the 19th century aspiration that is sparsely populated site was surveyed before being burial industry and successfully facing a stern challenge, one that selected as Sydney’s new burial ground. The first lobbied to have their village requires careful stewardship if in 200 acres was dedicated in 1867 with all evidence renamed Rookwood only to find the next generation this priceless pointing to a design by Charles Moore, Director of that the cemetery in turn became source of history is not again to the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Necropolis No. 1 known by the new name. In fall prey to disrepair or, as likely, mortuary station was completed in 1869 followed 1919 their nominal association alternative uses. by three mortuary stations via a spur from the main was finally broken by a second line, an arrangement that survived until 19482.
Plan of Management 024 HISTORY AND VALUES FINANCIAL IMPERATIVES
Financial imperatives There are now approaching one million Of all the pillars that amount to The regulations do require people interred in Rookwood sustainability, adequate funds all Trusts to furnish a report and some estimates believe for the long term maintenance to the Minister annually which there will be no more space of Rookwood is a structural includes details of income within the next fifty years.” imperative. However each expenditure, assets and liabilities management body has to act but with no measurement rules Given that Trusts at Rookwood operate within their financial powers as being specified. within the same location there is a clear public determined by legislation and Previous Plans of interest in having consistent publicly available the Minister. Management have made reports about Trust operations and, particularly, The Cemeteries and recommendations regarding the long term stewardship of public lands. It Crematoria Act and the Crown consistency in accounting is therefore appropriate for this plan to make Lands Act and associated principles among the Trusts recommendations regarding accounting and regulations provide some general operating at Rookwood. reporting by Trusts and the general pricing policies guidance as to the financial A summary of the relevant which should apply across the Necropolis. powers which reserve Trusts recommendations from the 1993 Trusts operating at Rookwood bear a have and the type of financial Plan of Management is: responsibility for the effective financial management controls to be implemented. For ~~ Fees should be reviewed of the resources under their control. The theoretical instance a reserve Trust may, regularly with a view to monitoring of this responsibility by way of with the consent of the Minister, keeping them abreast of all submission of annual reports to the Minister has purchase land or expend Trust financial needs, including some drawbacks, mainly due to inconsistency in money for or in connection with provision for depreciation and accounting standards and the lack of a sustainability the improvement of the land, perpetual care framework for analysis. Common accounting exercise some limited borrowing standards are necessary but not sufficient to ~~ Create a component in powers and determine fees or ensure financial sustainability. It will also be the fees structure to reflect charges payable for the services necessary to mandate reporting on issues such as: the value of metropolitan provided. There are also some cemetery land ~~ land used defined expenditure authorisation ~~ Introduce one standardised ~~ number of interments both first and second procedures and the Cemeteries computerised accounting ~~ pricing schedules and Crematoria Act and contains model special provisions relating to ~~ overall grave yield expressed in burials per Rookwood which set down ~~ Prepare an overall financial hectare. the method of determining the plan for the whole Necropolis. Implementation of common financial contributions payable by the No common actions policies and performance monitoring by all Trusts Trusts for common Rookwood have been taken on these operating at Rookwood will provide one path to functions. recommendations although meeting the sustainability objectives described in However financial objectives a number of individual Trusts the Vision statement. are not explicitly laid down, and it reviewed their accounting will therefore fall to the individual systems and procedures to allow reserve Trust to implement the aims of the recommendations financial management policies to be more readily achieved. appropriate to the objectives of that particular reserve.
ROOKWOOD HERITAGE AND SOCIAL VALUES HISTORY AND VALUES 025
Rookwood is a place of outstanding cultural and environmental heritage significance.” Heritage and social values
Rookwood Necropolis has a long Victorian and Edwardian era which are unique or display a high degree of and layered history reflected in a funerary etiquette and fashion by technical accomplishment, and others which variety of physical and intangible way of plant symbolism. reflect the changes in society and burial customs elements. It embodies a range The views and expertise since 1867. There are also monuments saved of values which vary in their of a number of prominent from earlier cemetery sites which have been levels of significance and in their individuals are manifest in the preserved and protected at Rookwood. tolerance for change. The identified historic fabric and design of As a social document and genealogical values of the place (the heritage Rookwood Necropolis. This resource, Rookwood Necropolis is unique in its significance) will help determine includes its original design and scale and comprehensiveness. With more than one which management options are subsequent development over million souls, the Necropolis is the burial place of a most appropriate. almost 150 years. The Necropolis large number of noteworthy individuals prominent The heritage value of was designed as a pleasant in the history of Sydney and NSW. Headstones Rookwood Necropolis has been setting both for the dead and record members of the First Fleet, convicts, recognised through inclusion a comforting site for visiting bushrangers, artists, scientists, businessmen and in statutory and non-statutory mourners. The landscape was politicians alongside victims of accident, drowning, heritage lists and registers from equipped with visitor amenities fire, epidemics and mass disasters. The 20th 1980 onwards. Rookwood is a such as carriageways, paths, century areas record the multicultural origins of the place of outstanding cultural and plantings, fences, signs, chapels, present-day Sydney and Australian communities. environmental heritage significance. shelters and drainage. Recognition of the significance of this rich Through its existing fabric The Necropolis memorials aesthetic, historic, scientific and social history will and documentary records form a set of monumental assist in the ongoing management and balance of Rookwood clearly demonstrates masonry without parallel in resources for the next phase in Rookwood’s history. an extensive range of aesthetic, Australia. They include examples historic, scientific and social values. It contains critical habitat for rare and endangered native plant species and comprises a unique environment of social, genealogical, landscape and architectural significance. The scale of design, design features, use of plants, gardenesque layout, high quality and diversity of structures, monuments and detailing of the oldest sections of Rookwood Necropolis represent a rare surviving example of mid to late 19th century planning, design, layout and ideals for a major public cemetery. The choices of plants in the older sections also demonstrate Rangers House (end of William Drive) now demolished
Plan of Management 026 HISTORY AND VALUES ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
Ecological and environmental values
The Government Surveyor described Due to this high ecological ~~ The State legislation is reinforced Rookwood’s vegetation in 1861 as conservation value Rookwood actively by the Commonwealth Environment ’dense ti-tree and wattle scrub, and manages these values. Protection and Biodiversity wooded with mahogany, stringybark, ~~ Vegetation Conservation Areas Conservation Act 1999 also listing hollybutt and ti- tree’. Due to the within Rookwood have been some of these species. These are expanding nature of Sydney’s suburbs legislated for protection in the also managed through an annual vast areas of the indigenous vegetation Threatened Species Conservation bushland management program of Western Sydney were cleared in the Act 1995, are managed under the within the Rookwood Necropolis. 19th century. control of a Property Management ~~ Rookwood has some 368 species Rookwood however includes Plan (PMP), and comprise some of indigenous plants and 90 areas which are now dominated 21 hectares. species of native birds and fauna. by indigenous or ‘naturalised’ plant ~~ A Bushland Plan of Management A further 281 introduced species species providing an important implements specific strategies and occur, including Australian species sanctuary for native fauna and actions for the conservation and not native to the site. (PMP, 2008) birdlife. Rookwood acts as the lungs management of the Vegetation ~~ Rookwood’s population of Cooks of this area of Western Sydney. Its Conservation Areas including flora River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest ecological values, biological diversity and fauna populations/species represents approximately 25% and natural systems provide a unique occurring within the Necropolis. of the total community remaining area of significant green space. This These include: two vulnerable within the Sydney Basin. green cover and shade reduces heat flora species –Acacia pubescens (PMP, 2008) load and stores carbon. As a large and Epacris purpurascens var. ~~ Ecological corridors provide area of just under 300 hectares with purpurascens; two endangered connectivity and habitat for fauna no activity, traffic or lights at night, flora populations –Pomaderris and are being encouraged along Rookwood’s green spaces provides prunifolia and Wahlenbergia canals, streets and boundaries. significant shelter for fauna and multicaulis; two Endangered potentially connect with other green ecological communities- Cooks reserves in this area of Sydney. River Castlereagh Ironbark forest The significant ecological values and Cumberland Plain Woodland; to be found within Rookwood were four threatened or vulnerable fauna recognised in 1995 by listing within the populations – Grey Headed Flying Threatened Species Conservation Act. Fox, Green and Golden Bell Frog, Regent Honeyeater, Common Bent Wing Bat.
Reference Documents Property Management Plan Rookwood 2008 Plant Census (Annual update)
ROOKWOOD ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES HISTORY AND VALUES 027
2. flora issues
Intro line here Rookwood has about the 368 species of vulnerable indigenous flora and and endangered 90 species of plants in the indigenous fauna.” area
1. 3. 4.
1. VULNERABLE FLORA 2. VULNERABLE FLORA Acacia pubescens Epacris purpurascens var. Downy Wattle. Shrub 0.5-1.8 metres tall, occuring in Shrub 1-5 metres tall, occuring shale soil environs. in open woodland. Concentrated around Bankstown, Fairfield and Rookwood.
3. ENDANGERED FLORA 4. ENDANGERED FLORA Pomaderris prunifolia (var.) Wahlenbergia multicaulis Shrub 1-3 metres, isolated Tadgell’s Bluebell. population at Rookwood. A perennial tufted herb found in disturbed sites.
Plan of Management 028 HISTORY AND VALUES ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
Figure 6 Vegetation Conservation Areas
Vegetation Conservation area boundaries
ROOKWOOD VISUAL VALUES HISTORY AND VALUES 029
Visual values
Many areas in Rookwood exhibit a Rookwood, updating the previous Many landmarks are present and not balance of heritage structures, built Visual Analysis, part of the 1993 only serve as orientation points within form and landscape, contributing to Plan of Management. The previous the cemetery, these important markers a highly evocative cultural landscape. analysis assessed only the ‘aesthetic’ are visible beyond the cemetery and This combination allows the history value at Rookwood whilst the Visual define its presence from well beyond of Rookwood to be ’read’ and Significance Study not only provides Rookwood itself. Noteworthy examples appreciated. It is possible to stand on a review of the visual character of are the distinctive pines planted the ridgeline at Hawthorne Avenue Rookwood, but identifies significance at Rookwood in the Victorian and and see the Harbour Bridge and based on key contributing factors. Edwardian burial grounds, that tower Centrepoint tower in one direction The cultural landscape values of over the landscape. The spires of and the Blue Mountains in the other. Rookwood have been assessed including buildings, St Michael’s Chapel and the Panoramic views over much of the a review of significance of the heritage, crematorium, are landmarks within the cemetery are also possible from the built, natural, and visual character. cemetery and beyond, creating a sense highpoints, with the rich tapestry of This recognises that Rookwood is of the cultural significance the place monuments unfolding in the valleys of a result of human intervention in the holds. Smaller structures and trees also the Necropolis. natural landscape and records human provide orientation and focal points A Visual Significance Study activities and values over time, not only within smaller precincts of Rookwood. (DEM 2010) has been prepared for physical changes in the landscape.
Sydney War Cemetery walled memorial garden
Plan of Management 030 HISTORY AND VALUES
ROOKWOOD CEMETERY Rookwood’s rich layers of significant vegetation, heritage monuments with a background of city views, within the Anglican Cemetery.
ROOKWOOD HISTORY AND VALUES 031
Plan of Management 032 HISTORY AND VALUES VISUAL VALUES
Many areas in Rookwood The core cultural landscape, heritage and ecological corridors and are exhibit a perfect visual fabric at Rookwood of high interpretive value often associated with spiritual/ balance of heritage and visual significance includes: religious meaning structures, built form ~~ Major visual corridors and viewpoints identified ~~ Significant trees/vegetation/ and landscape, in the Visual Significance Study botanical items of rarity- contributing to a ~~ Historic circulation routes, providing a sense Rookwood is a horticultural of where Rookwood has come from and how gem where rare species, highly evocative it has developed – including their setting and often near endangered cultural landscape.” material fabric species, heritage roses and show piece horticultural ~~ Representative examples of ~~ Landscape pattern of areas within the State obscurities are present social/religious group burial Heritage Register including circulation routes, brick practices illustrating the strong ~~ The railway alignment and kerbs, trees, vegetation massing and structures social history at Rookwood remaining evidence of this ~~ Landscape design and influences of prominent important transport mode ~~ Walled crematorium garden individuals no longer present within the and Spanish Mission style ~~ Heritage monuments, features and landmarks cemetery building in its setting, displaying of artistic, creative, technical value -identified in a landscape character unseen ~~ Historic serpentine and separate heritage and archaeological studies elsewhere in the cemetery canals – often designed as a ~~ Landscape setting of historic structures, highly ornate garden features ~~ Sydney War Cemetery walled landmarks, features and heritage vaults complete with urns, fountains, garden and setting – unique at ~~ Street hierarchy where established pools and channels Rookwood ~~ Tree planting within the street network and ~~ High points and ridgelines ~~ Areas of relocated heritage cemetery – plant species reflect the landscape being highly visible and monuments from Old Sydney trends and fashions over time, provide commanding long views Burial Ground, Devonshire Street, Lewisham and Historic circulation routes within Anglican Trust St Thomas Cemetery Maintenance of this fabric, revival of avenues, boundary definition and amenity planting at Rookwood will be important in maintaining this significant built and natural resource.
Reference Documents Rookwood Visual Significance Study 2010.
ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNITS HISTORY AND VALUES 033
Management Units By dividing Rookwood into The heritage, ecological and visual Twenty four Management Units smaller, more values at Rookwood vary within the have been defined and group areas of manageable precincts Necropolis and do not conform to similar characteristics based on a range activities can focus the current cemetery boundaries. of factors: on the special Management to date has been ~~ Visual catchment and topographic defined by Trust boundaries. This features characteristics of plan proposes the concept of ~~ Heritage and cultural characteristics these precincts.” Management Units. The area of each ~~ Circulation routes unit is determined by the commonality of the values within it, with some ~~ Denominations and character of units transcending Trust boundaries. monumentation The implication is that common ~~ Vegetation and landscape pattern. approaches need to be adopted For a detailed description and between Trusts where this occurs. This assessment of the Visual Significance approach has been agreed in principle of the Management Units an Inventory by all Trusts. of all Units is included in the Rookwood The values of the Management Visual Significance Study. Units have been defined in the Visual A summary of these Management Significance Study by grouping areas Units is included in Section 4, Towards with similar physical, cultural and visual Sustainability. values. These Units recognise that Rookwood is a large cultural landscape of often competing and complicated management requirements. By dividing Rookwood into smaller, more manageable precincts activities can focus on the special characteristics of these precincts.
Reference Documents Rookwood Visual Significance Study 2010 Management Unit Policies 2013
Plan of Management 034 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
WAY OF THE CROSS Memorial gardens, Catholic Trust.
ROOKWOOD DEMAND AND SUPPLY TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 035
Towardssustainability
A central issue for the long-term management of the Rookwood Necropolis is the demand for burial places and the ability to meet this demand.
Demand and supply
Challenges
1. Estimating the demand for burial places 2. Maintaining accurate measurements on the available supply of burial places Description
Use of Burial Places Rookwood Necropolis’ contribution to the supply of burial places, and in particular the provision of grave sites, in Sydney over the last decade has been significant. The table below shows burials and cremations for Sydney and Rookwood between 2001 and 2010. Activity 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Sydney Burials (‘000) 8.55 8.31 7.99 8.43 7.79 7.88 7.67 8.37 6.29 8.49 Sydney Cremations (‘000) 13.74 14.92 14.70 14.77 14.10 14.51 15.03 15.38 16.40 14.67 Total Sydney Deaths (‘000) 22.29 23.23 22.69 23.19 21.88 22.39 22.70 23.75 22.68 23.17 Sydney Burials as % of Sydney Total 38.4% 35.8% 35.2% 36.3% 35.6% 35.2% 33.8% 35.2% 27.7% 36.7% Rookwood Burials 2,869 2,949 2,876 2,999 2,964 2,909 2,806 2,874 2,888 2,926 Rookwood Cremations 2,405 2,495 2391 2,383 2,254 2,282 2,444 2,268 2,291 2,426 Rookwood Total 5,274 5,444 5,267 5,382 5,218 5,191 5,250 5,142 5,179 5,352 Rookwood Burials as a % of Rookwood Total 54.4% 54.2% 54.6% 55.7% 56.8% 56.0% 53.4% 55.9% 55.8% 54.7% Rookwood Total as % of Sydney Total 23.7% 23.4% 23.2% 23.2% 23.8% 23.2% 23.1% 21.7% 22.8% 23.1% Source: RNT Burials and Cremation Monitor and ABS The main points evident from the above table are: ~~ The level of activity in Sydney and at Rookwood has been highly consistent over the decade; ~~ Rookwood accounts for almost a quarter of Sydney’s activity (23%); and ~~ The average percentage of burials was lower for Sydney (35.0%) than Rookwood (55.2%).
Plan of Management 036 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY DEMAND AND SUPPLY
Estimating demand 2005 2010 2016 2026 A central issue for the long-term management NSW Population (‘000) 6,756 7,233 7,560 8,395 of the Rookwood Necropolis is the demand for burial places and the ability to meet this demand. Sydney Population (‘000) 3,942 4,256 4536 5,079 It has generally been assumed that there will be NSW Deaths (‘000) 44.89 48.0 52.9 58.8 an eventual shortage of grave sites in Sydney Sydney Deaths (‘000) 21.88 23.17 25.8 28.2 but not for other forms of burial places. For example, in 1989 a detailed study of metropolitan Actual and Projected 14,097 14673 16,770 18,330 cemeteries3 concluded that in about 40 years Cremations in Sydney the cemeteries in Sydney would be full, that is by Actual and projected 4 7,787 8,493 9,030 9,870 2030. A subsequent discussion paper , released Burials in Sydney by the State Government in 2005, estimated that As demonstrated in the table above5, the total number of deaths by 2050 capacity would be reached in the Greater in Sydney actually fell between 2004 and 2009 despite an increase Sydney Metropolitan Area. in population. However, it is assumed in this plan that mortality rates The projections contained in the studies will remain at the current level for the foreseeable future and that the mentioned above were based on surveys of total number of deaths in Sydney will increase as Sydney’s population undeveloped land in existing cemeteries, population increases. If it is further assumed that the ratio of cremations to burials projections, and the ratio of burial to cremation. in Sydney will be approximately 65%/35%, the number of grave sites Although it is difficult to increase the supply of required in Sydney per annum will rise from 9,030 to 9,870 between graves sites, the supply in Sydney can be increased the years 2016 and 2026 based on current population projections. by opening new cemeteries and through the The level of activity within trusts areas changes each year and a introduction of sustainable burial practices. high annual variability is likely to continue over the next decade as The number of deaths and hence the demand social and cultural patterns in Sydney continue to change. The share for burials and cremations for Sydney can be of burials at Rookwood by individual denominational Trusts over the estimated using a number of assumptions last decade is illustrated in Figure 7. including population growth, mortality rates and rates of cremation. In Sydney over the last decade Figure 7 Burials by Denominational Trusts – 2001 – 2010 cremations averaged 65% of total deaths.
Independent (22.3%)
Catholic (46.7%) General (4.7%)
Jewish (8.4%)
Muslim (7.2%) Anglican (12.6%)
ROOKWOOD DEMAND AND SUPPLY TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 037
A central issue for the long-term management of the Rookwood Necropolis is the demand for burial places and the ability to meet this demand.” Issues for the strategy and plan 1.
Estimating supply The available projections suggest that for next decade if the Rookwood Necropolis continues to contribute its existing share of Sydney’s demand, the number of interments will need to increase by 600 to 700 interments per annum above current levels. Data on the supply of current and potential burial places is not readily available for the whole of Rookwood or for the areas of each denominational Trust. Most of the recently dissolved Trusts had a supply of unused or underutilised burial places. However, from discussions with each of these, with the exception of the Muslim Trust, there was sufficient capacity within each Trust area, with the exception of the Muslim Trust, to allow operations 2. 3. at or above recent levels of activity to 2016 and most likely to 2026. There is a substantial area in the southern area of the Necropolis (called lot 10) to accommodate various burials. Elsewhere an increasing proportion of burial activity will be geared to infilling existing areas.
Issue Strategic Direction Accurate estimation of Adopt sustainable demand for burial places management practices 1. MUSLIM SECTION Accurate estimation of Adopt sustainable supply of burial places management practices 2. CATHOLIC SECTION 3. JEWISH SECTION
Plan of Management 038 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Financial sustainability
Challenges Description
1. Meet operational costs At the most basic level financial ensure Rookwood’s long term use as a working for the cemetery from the sustainability simply means the cemetery. This latter approach is favoured in the cemetery’s own resources capacity to meet operational new Plan of Management and it will therefore be 2. Build reserves to meet long costs for the cemetery from its important to establish appropriate opportunity term maintenance own resources, either recurrent cost measurements to aid resource allocation. For revenue or reserves. To achieve instance under this sustainable operations model 3. Develop policies to sustainability reserves need to some assets or some parcels of land may have ensure long term use as a be set aside to cover the costs alternate uses which are much more valuable in the working cemetery of maintenance over the long long term than use as grave sites. term. An accurate estimate of A key part of the financial reporting system will the reserves required will require require information on land classification. Unlike explicit assumptions regarding the many Crown reserve Trusts which use land on level of future usage, the type of an ongoing basis as part of their service delivery maintenance to be carried out and function, cemeteries allocate land for burial and the level of investment returns. this precludes its use for other purposes, at least Even when completed with a high in the short term. It is therefore appropriate for degree of financial sophistication some value to be placed on land which reflects the such estimates are subject to a different stages of usage. All land in a cemetery significant degree of uncertainty can be placed into one of four categories: due to the long time frames ~~ Undeveloped land – to be developed for involved. It could be expected that future burial usage as the time to practical capacity ~~ Interment land – developed and available for of the cemetery approaches the burials or memorials estimates will be refined. ~~ Allocated land – Interment land which has Some Trusts operating at been sold Rookwood have completed this exercise and used the results to ~~ Infrastructure land – required to support inform pricing and operational cemetery operations but unavailable for interment. policies. Those that have not Separate valuation rules will be required for the considered the issue in any different categories, as well as accounting rules for depth have now effectively been the transfer of land between different categories incorporated into the Rookwood if the intended usage of the land changes. The General Cemeteries Reserve recommended approach is to define the land Trust, a body that will be in a categories together with a general approach to position to apply a consistent valuation, and then to compare these with the approach to both estimation relevant accounting standards. and standard accounting For all categories of land, appropriate measurement rules. accounting standards can be developed and An alternative approach to applied in a consistent manner. These accounting long term sustainability would rules will not of themselves lead to optimum involve the development of decision making. However they will ensure that operational policies which would land allocation decisions in all areas are based on
ROOKWOOD FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 039
similar financial criteria and will allow the sustainable Given the potential range of Rookwood. A description of development of the Necropolis to be facilitated, interests there are clear efficiency the main standards applying is together with the necessary monitoring of financial arguments for developing a set contained on the documentation management by all Trusts operating at Rookwood. of general purpose financial supporting this plan. The only Stage one of this process is to specify a reports which have the capacity variation or expansion of the coherent set of accounting standards which will be to satisfy most needs. The first normal standards necessary is universally applied. Normal commercial accounting step in such a development a more detailed set of rules for standards are believed to be appropriate for this will be to review accounting land classification. It will also be purpose and in the Australian context an interlinked standards which apply to other necessary for all accounts to be series of statements are accepted as the starting organisations and assess audited to ensure compliance point for the development of all accounting their relevance to the Trusts at with the agreed set of standards. standards. These are formulated as ‘Statements of Accounting Concepts’ and standards derived from these concepts are formulated and issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board which is a Commonwealth agency. They acquire legal status through the Companies legislation, but also provide guidance on reporting issues for other entities, including governments and not for profit entities. Statement of Accounting Concept, SAC3 – ‘Qualitative Characteristics of Financial Information’ sets out four desirable characteristics of all financial information ~~ relevance ~~ reliability ~~ comparability ~~ understandability. The reporting framework covered by these concepts and the standards derived from them is restricted to general purpose financial reporting as it is considered that special reports such as cash flow and security reports which may be required by bankers can be obtained as required. In the case of the Rookwood Trusts the Government as the major stakeholder would have the power to demand reports in whatever format they choose, but it is considered that an approach following conventional accounting standards has the advantage of consistency and of providing relevant information to other stakeholders. Dixson Memorial – old Independent section
Plan of Management 040 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Issues for the strategy and plan If Rookwood is seen as a sustainable resource for Concepts of financial Value conflicts the disposition of the dead and sustainability Single use of grave sites also for other conservation There are a number of are strongly preferred by some values and social values it is potential areas of conflict groups, potentially cutting the clear that some compromises between the various concepts of available burial options in those will be necessary.” sustainability, the most common sections by half. This raises the of which could be: question of whether a financial Financial policies ~~ Some cultural practices have premium should be placed on The current Plan of Management cannot a demand for larger grave single graves sites. cover all aspects of sustainability or all details of sites, and are prepared to Land allocated to heritage financial management. It can however specify pay extra for these. However, and environmental uses may not the accounting standards and pricing policies in even if this maximises revenue be available for burials. Some general terms. Other policies relating to issues per unit of allocated land, it restrictions are legislatively such as grave sizes, multiple burials, cemetery decreases long term usage of mandated but others will need redevelopment and renewable tenure will need to the cemetery. to be resolved by cemetery be incorporated into the ongoing financial plans for management, through the ~~ Pre sale of grave sites may each Trust operating at Rookwood. be financially advantageous adoption of Management Units. As a starting point it will be necessary for grave if the returns on invested Common costs prices to be set at a level which will cover: funds are greater than the Common costs such as the expected increase in grave ~~ the value of the land used major road network, perimeter prices. However it decreases ~~ direct development costs security and main drainage operational flexibility and ~~ contribution to associated infrastructure networks at present are funded may make it harder to by a levy on Trusts which is ~~ reserves for perpetual maintenance. implement cemetery renewal based on the number of services The way forward in the resolution of these issues plans if burials in a specific performed. As the level of activity should be determined by reference to the Vision area take place over a longer decreases it will be necessary statement. If Rookwood is seen as a sustainable time frame. to develop some other funding resource for the disposition of the dead and also mechanism to ensure that for other conservation values and social values it is common maintenance costs may clear that some compromises will be necessary. In be met in an equitable manner. this context the central role of the finance system will be to accurately measure the financial impact of these compromises on differing values.
Issue Strategic direction Ensure financial or operational sustainability Adopt sustainable management practices Resolve value conflicts by specifying core values for different Adopt sustainable management practices Management Units Meet common costs by allocating to Trusts on basis of area used Adopt sustainable management practices Set grave prices to cover both short and long term costs Adopt sustainable management practices
ROOKWOOD SUSTAINABLE BURIAL PRACTICES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 041
Sustainable burial practices
Challenges Description
1. Introduction of sustainable burial Legislative framework In 2011 the Government amended practices across the cemetery A sustainable cemetery is one the Crown Lands (General Reserves) 2. Introduction of a uniform system that uses and reuses its finite land By-Laws 2006 to reform existing policy of burial licences resources efficiently to ensure the to make Crown cemeteries become more sustainable. These reforms 3. Pricing of burial licences to availability of land for burials over are now carried forward into the reflect sustainability principles many centuries. Cemeteries and Crematoria Act. Some 4. Scoping opportunities to create Interments can be below ground of the key reforms include: new interment sites in existing (eg in a grave) or above ground ~~ Allowing cemetery Trusts space and to introduce renewable (eg in a vault, crypt or mausoleum). the discretion to determine interment rights. At Rookwood there are many opportunities for additional above ownership of burial rights where ground interments and the placement there is uncertainty of ashes. Opportunities for below ~~ Restrict the sale of burial rights ground interments, however, are within a single Crown Reserve to far more constrained – the area of two plots per person Rookwood is finite and areas within ~~ Reduce the minimum period the cemetery need to be maintained required before unused burial rights for conservation as a historic site or for can be revoked from 60 to 50 environmental conservation purposes. years. Accordingly, sustainable burial The introduction of renewable practices are mainly concerned with tenure - termed renewable interment the use of land in cemeteries for the rights in the Cemeteries and use and reuse of grave sites. Crematoria Act - was also considered in NSW through the work of the Crown Cemeteries Advisory Committee. Trusts within Rookwood whose faith allows, showed support renewable internment rights because they believed it will facilitate long term sustainability.
The Priests’ burial Catholic No.1 Plan of Management 042 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAINABLE BURIAL PRACTICES
Issues for the strategy and plan
Sustainable burial Burial licences the last interment in the grave In the introductory practices Properly constructed phase there are practical and emotional problems The term ‘sustainable burial burial licences are essential to in cemetery renewal that need to be carefully practices‘ can be considered as ensure the efficient operation addressed. These problems will be much less a spectrum of burial activities. of the cemetery and to provide in greenfield situations, so it would be perverse The following approach which consumer protection and to continue the use of traditional burial licence builds on the Government’s certainty to the public. in areas most amenable to new forms of tenure. The reuse of graves will continue to be harder in recent reforms illustrates Cemetery Trusts also have older areas than in those pre-planned for limited one approach to understand the freedom to create new burial tenure. Even with an immediate transition, various this concept. In this Plan of licences to meet particular needs sections of Rookwood may run out of space Management each Trust is – for example to address specific before the maturation of the first renewable encouraged to adopt as many management issues involved in the tenures. However, this Plan of Management does elements of the concept as upkeep of vaults and crypts or to not rely on the introduction of renewable tenure possible to make their portions limit the term of the burial licence to meet anticipated levels of demand over the sustainable. and define their terms. Some of coming decade. It should be noted that all the sustainable burial practices, of the approaches identified in particularly the re-use of existing Figure 8 are lawful under the graves, may require changes to current legislation for Crown existing enterprise agreements cemeteries. The correct pricing of and new forms of burial licences. the land will also be important in achieving financial sustainability. Pricing of burial licences In addition, the implications of the An associated issue to practice of selling burial licences sustainable burial practices is on ‘demand needs’, particularly the affordability of burial licences. in relation to sustainability, New forms of burial licences needs to be carefully assessed including the introduction of by Trusts. This practice passes limited and renewable tenure control of graves sites to a third will reduce the ongoing cost of party and imposes contingent interment through increasing liabilities which are extremely the supply and availability of difficult to quantify. burial licences. The timeline for planning renewable tenure of Opportunity for ‘natural’ a given grave is necessarily at burials may be explored to least 25 years from the date of provide additional choice and multiple uses of vegetated sites within the cemetery. Issue Strategic Direction Prepare renewal schemes Adopt sustainable burial practices Adopt sustainable burial licences Adopt sustainable burial practices Align pricing of burial licences with Adopt sustainable burial practices underlying entitlements
ROOKWOOD SUSTAINABLE BURIAL PRACTICES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 043
Figure 8 Common types of sustainable burial activity Examples for each of the sustainable burial activities include:
Better use of cemetery Better use of existing Better use of new Introduce renewable space interment sites intement sites interment rights ~~ Identify unused or ~~ Identify unused interment ~~ Ensure all new interment ~~ Introduce renewable underutilised areas in sites that may be revoked sites are at least double interment rights for all which new interment in accordance with depth new interment sites. sites might be created legislative requirements ~~ Encourage purchasers ~~ Remodel or re-landscape ~~ Encourage interment to consider multiple existing cemetery space, right holders to establish interments at the time of including by closing or family graves in existing purchase redesigning roads and interment sites ~~ Only allow the sale of accessways, to free up ~~ Offer to buy back interment rights on the space for new interment interment rights that have basis on need. sites. not been exercised to ensure timely use. Advantages The adoption of these The proposed measures The proposed measures The proposed measure will measures will increase the will increase the number of will increase the number of help to ensure the long-term total number of interment available interment sites and interments in an interment sustainability of the cemetery sites available. the number of interments in site and give the trust control by allowing interment sites to an interment site. over the timing of interments. be re-used.
Plan of Management 044 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Ecological and environmental issues
Challenges Description Balancing the burial needs at Rookwood 1. Balance between threatened Balance threatened whilst conserving species conservation and land species conservation – heritage, vegetation and allocation for burial burial land allocation ecological values will 2. Management of groundwater and With diminishing land resources require a sound drainage to protect ecological at Rookwood, the need for burial management regime.” values and areas beyond space, and the requirement to protect Rookwood ecological communities, conflicts arise 3. Sustainable use of materials, in determining the most appropriate growth and undesirable vegetation. reduced emissions and waste uses for the land that is available. Many improvements have already been management The Property Management Plan achieved. Continued implementation of has provided certainty for some 4. Consistency in approach to stormwater improvements, ecological development at Rookwood – of the threatened species areas initiatives in reducing nutrient levels sustainability of the cemetery identified within Rookwood, whilst (water sensitive urban design), identifying burial areas. Ongoing retention and detention, and reducing 5. Retaining and improving the regeneration and maintenance concentrated water flows will assist amenity, landscape character and of vegetation within burial areas, in achieving ongoing responsible maintenance of Rookwood including weed management, pest stormwater management. 6. Improving wildlife corridors and and rubbish control, also increases connectivity of landscape the green spaces in Rookwood and Sustainable use of materials is important in biodiversity, provision and energy, reduced of shade and amenity. Allocation of emissions and waste funds and adequate resources to management maintain these areas is required for the Energy use at Rookwood is higher timeframe of the plan, with these being in the crematoriums and mausoleums, complimentary to the prime purpose of whilst emissions are concentrated in disposition of the dead. the crematoriums and vehicular use. Water use is limited at Rookwood as Management of groundwater few areas are irrigated and few areas and drainage require large amounts of water. The Runoff from Rookwood reaches major waste comprises soil resulting the Cooks River, Powells Creek and from excess bulk from grave digging. Haslam Creek catchments requiring Rookwood endeavours to use this fill responsible management of drainage on site to reduce truck movements and groundwater outside the cemetery. and disposal requirements off site. Management of groundwater and A whole of Rookwood approach to drainage is also important in the environmental sustainability will assist biodiversity of the landscape and in responsible management of all of protection of ecological values. these resources. Nutrient laden runoff leads to weed
ROOKWOOD ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 045
Issues for the strategy and plan
Consistency in development and Retaining and Improving wildlife sustainability of the cemetery improving the amenity/ corridors and connectivity It is paramount that Rookwood continue landscape character and of the landscape to provide burial if it is to remain sustainable. maintenance Whilst the threatened species Balancing the burial needs at Rookwood whilst The approach to the areas have been protected and conserving heritage, vegetation and ecological retention/rehabilitation of street tree planting is continuing, values will require a sound management regime. vegetation, as well as landscape the landscape/ tree corridors can Guidelines to assist in sustainability would benefit works at Rookwood, varies be isolated and lack connectivity. Rookwood overall and ensure that each Trust across Trust boundaries. Whilst In preparing this plan the approaches renewal schemes and infill whilst improving the ongoing tree recommendation to prepare an conserving the environment and ecology. planting program, street tree and updated Landscape Master Plan road hierarchy implementation to complement the management Preparation of an Environmental will assist in improving the of threatened species will Management Plan landscape character at provide focus on the continued The preparation of an Environmental Rookwood, the longevity of this establishment of the landscape Management Plan for Rookwood will assist in program is not assured. corridors along the canals, a consistent approach to sustainable uses of Committing resources to streets, boundaries and buried resources and protection of the environment in a this important amenity issue, areas (where possible). This will way that also addresses the challenges created by sometimes considered secondary provide for wildlife movement climate change. This plan will include; sustainable to provision of burial space, will across Rookwood, between energy technologies, water efficiencies in use and ensure that Rookwood remains a larger vegetation areas and areas harvesting, waste management, recycling and sought after place for burial and beyond Rookwood. minimisation of CO emissions, thereby reducing 2 will improve its profile. Rookwood’s carbon footprint.
Issue Strategic direction Balance threatened species conservation – burial land Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment allocation Manage groundwater and drainage Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment Adopt strategies identified in the Environmental Adopt sustainable management practices Management Plan including- sustainable use of materials/ energy, reduced emissions and waste management Prepare an Environmental Management Plan Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment Ensure consistency in sustainability of the Cemetery Adopt sustainable management practices Improve amenity/landscape character and maintenance Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment Improve wildlife corridors and connectivity of the landscape Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment
Plan of Management 046 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY HERITAGE AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
Heritage and cultural landscape
Challenges Description
1. Balance between Balance between Understanding what is significant- Rookwood’s future land use Rookwood’s future Provisions of the Heritage Act 1977 and heritage conservation land use and heritage Working in a heritage environment can be 2. Cost of maintaining conservation challenging, particularly at Rookwood where Rookwood’s heritage The process of maintaining excavation and ground disturbance is part of 3. Understanding what is the most efficient use of daily practice. The Act is designed to protect significant – Provisions of land can compromise the known heritage items of State significance, and the Heritage Act conservation of heritage. also heritage items that may not be immediately obvious, for instance potential archaeological 4. Cultural landscape and Cost of maintaining remains. Understanding what is significant, visual significance are Rookwood’s heritage often not readily apparent the requirements under the Act, as well as the Maintenance of Rookwood’s approved exemptions of the Act all contribute to heritage can be seen as non successful management of heritage. income producing. However the benefits in maintaining Cultural landscape and visual significance and interpreting the significant are often not readily apparent heritage resources are It is often only when significant heritage items, complimentary to the prime views, trees or landscape character are lost that purpose and assist in promotion they are recognised and appreciated. These of Rookwood as a preferred factors are often experienced in a subtle, sub- location for burial/cremation. conscious manner. By identifying the significance of these items in advance, planning can proceed on an informed basis.
Fireman George Alchin, General Cemetery showing Quong Sin Tong Monument, old Independent section Bee Miles grave in foreground
ROOKWOOD HERITAGE AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 047
Issues for the strategy and plan It is often only when significant Inventory of significance Management Units – heritage items, views, The inventory of Rookwood’s significant items a consistent approach trees or landscape of heritage will require updating, maintenance and across Rookwood character are lost that incorporation into management plans to assist Protection of view corridors, they are recognised in the management of heritage and potential interpretation of historic and appreciated.” renewal. Recording all ongoing works within a circulation routes, landscape centralised inventory will assist in the protection of design and interpretation these important items. of heritage are some of the items that can be recognised Consistency in heritage conservation and implemented within each Each Trust’s resource allocation for Management Unit. Guidelines maintenance of the heritage within their allocated for these elements will ensure portions varies. Not all Trusts have established consistency across Rookwood a heritage conservation plan and undertake and reduce the variation in conservation work on a regular basis. The new approach. This plan offers a simplified management structure will work to process for attaining consistency establish procedures for heritage conservation, and, if achieved, will result in a funding strategies and maintenance of the ‘whole of Rookwood’ outcome. inventories to ensure these initiatives are recorded. Using the Management Units as the basis for this has been recommended as the best management approach.
Issue Strategic direction Balance Rookwood’s future land Protect Rookwood’s heritage use with heritage conservation and conserve its environment Provide for maintenance of Raise the profile of Rookwood Rookwood’s heritage Protect cultural landscape and Protect Rookwood’s heritage visual significance and conserve its environment Establish an Inventory of Protect Rookwood’s heritage Significance and conserve its environment Adopt consistency in heritage Adopt sustainable management conservation practices Apply Management Units – a Protect Rookwood’s heritage consistent approach across and conserve its environment Rookwood Raise the profile of Rookwood
Memorial in the Independent section
Plan of Management 048 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure
Challenges Description Even though the Rookwood 1. Maintenance of existing cemetery Primary Infrastructure Necropolis is a City of the infrastructure Even though the Rookwood Dead it relies on key 2. Introduction of new technologies Necropolis is a city of the dead it infrastructure and to support and improve cemetery relies on key infrastructure and services services for its operation.” wide operations for its operation. Under the Ministerial 3. Improving the visual appeal Directions the RNT is responsible of cemetery through consistent for the provision and maintenance The Trusts are responsible for the approach to landscaping of all common infrastructures across infrastructure within their respective and signage the cemetery. portions of the cemetery including: Major service utilities provide ~~ Operational buildings electricity, water and sewerage, rubbish ~~ Tertiary and lower order roads disposal and communications to the ~~ Pathways cemetery. Each Trust is responsible for ~~ Stormwater drainage connection to and payment for its use of these services. ~~ Reticulation of water and sewerage The key infrastructure at Rookwood ~~ The provision of amenities – toilets, for which the RNT is responsible includes: shelters and furniture ~~ Boundary fencing, gates and security ~~ Landscaping and protection of significant trees ~~ Stormwater Drainage – the heritage system of canals ~~ Local signage ~~ Certain parts of the primary and ~~ Work compounds. secondary road system including The condition and useful life of some bridges the key infrastructure needs to be ~~ Landscaping of common areas and monitored and assessed on an annual unallocated lands basis. Emerging technologies to improve the environmental sustainable ~~ Management of the threatened of the cemetery also need to be species lands – Vegetation assessed and if appropriate introduced. Conservation Areas ~~ Signage.
Jewish Trust conservation
ROOKWOOD INFRASTRUCTURE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 049
Issues for the strategy and plan
Fencing, Gates has revealed that some of the New Technologies and Security canals are in urgent need of repair. The RNT has a key role in encouraging and The boundary of the Landscaping facilitating the introduction of new technology Necropolis is approximately on a cemetery wide basis. There are significant Each Trust is responsible for 7.2 km and of this boundary opportunities for initiatives by the Trusts. These the management of landscaping 2.2km has direct frontage to a technologies also apply to environmental issues. in their portions of the cemetery. public road. Perimeter security Some suggested initiatives to be examined are: The RNT has particular fencing must be maintained to responsibility for the maintenance ~~ Crematoriums to examine co-generation minimise illegal waste dumping, technology to minimise C0 emissions and with the Trust portions of 2 vandalism and antisocial the road verges, boundary create energy efficiencies through exhaust behaviour. landscaping and the setback heat recirculation Access to the Necropolis areas to the stormwater canals. ~~ Group wide tendering to improve is controlled by two entrance A Landscape Master Plan procurement of utility and other services gates at Weeroona Road and is required which establishes ~~ Strategies to improve water harvesting and East Street on the eastern and the planting and maintenance water consumption western boundaries respectively. regime for road verges, the ~~ Strategies to improve waste management – These gates open and close at setbacks to the primary especially soil and green waste 6 am to 7pm (April-September), and secondary canals and and 6am-9pm (Oct-March) 365 ~~ Adoption of sustainable energy technologies drains, boundary planting and days a year, and at other times ~~ Compatible technologies to be adopted across unallocated areas. Polices to as required to cater for special trusts to promote interoperability ensure a consistent approach to events. landscape maintenance within ~~ Review mobile communications network Security to and within the the framework provided by across cemetery cemetery is provided by a private the Management Units will be ~~ Introduce smart information technologies, for contractor. Individual Trusts also essential. Integrated in the plan example virtual reality application engage the services of private should be provision of street ~~ Ensure resources are shared amongst Trusts security firms and there is scope furniture and public amenities. to add to centralised information storage. to reduce the cost of security by adopting a common approach. Signage Roads A coherent system of Stormwater Drainage The original road system in the northern signage throughout the cemetery section of the Necropolis was constructed by the The Necropolis covers the is an essential requirement Department of Public Works in the 1860s although headwaters of three separate to provide directional and the current road system was constructed from the catchments. Although parts location guidance. At present mid 1930s by unemployed labour. of the Necropolis are elevated the signage system of the The road hierarchy defined in the previous much of the land is low lying Necropolis is of variable quality. and poorly drained. Prior to the Plan of Management, which was based on a three The signage used throughout 7 creation of the Joint Committee tier road network, is proposed to be revised as the Necropolis system needs described in the following table. much of the cemetery drainage to be reviewed and updated was undertaken by the as part of the preparation of Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) denominational Trusts. Their the Landscape Master Plan to Compliance legacy is a drainage system of ensure consistency, legibility and Design for people with a disability is required in variable age and condition. completeness. accessible areas at Rookwood, particularly public The condition of the canals, buildings, amenities and pedestrian access paths. ponds and bridges and selected These facilities need to be audited and updated drains within the Necropolis has throughout Rookwood. been examined in detail6 and this Plan of Management 050 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Proposed road hierarchy The Necropolis contains over 9 km of primary roads that connect the cemetery to its main Primary Roads Secondary Tertiary Roads entry and exit points and provide access to key Roads sections of the Necropolis. The current landscape Necropolis Drive Therry Street Haslem Drive North master plan for the cemetery which has only Memorial Avenue Oliver Avenue Gilroy Avenue been implemented in part provides a consistent Weekes Avenue Part Haslem Drive Tenison Woods Drive approach to the landscaping of the verges to the Cohen Avenue William Drive Freeman Street primary roads. Necropolis Circuit Phillips Street Clancy Street The secondary roads provide access to Farrar Avenue (part) Field Avenue Manning Place key sections of the cemetery or often act as Necropolis Circuit Blashki Avenue Van Vorst Drive boundaries between denominational trust areas. Paton Street Farrar Avenue Penola Street Barnet Avenue Various un-named roads The tertiary roads provide access to different ends of large cemetery sections – some of which Hawthorne Avenue do not provide all weather access. Haslem Drive Sheey Avenue A detailed study of the current road condition Courtney Avenue and the priorities for future maintenance of the road Carpenter Avenue hierarchy is required and will be completed as part Whelan Avenue of this Plan.
Figure 10 Existing road hierarchy
Issue Strategic Direction Maintain existing Adopt sustainable security infrastructure management practices Maintain and imporve Protect Rookwood’s stormwater drainage heritage and conserve its network environment Maintain and improve Adopt sustainable road hierarchy management practices Update the Protect Rookwood’s Landscape Master heritage and conserve its Plan environment Adopt a Signage Raise profile of policy Rookwood Incorporate new Adopt sustainable technologies where management practices Primary Road Secondary Road appropriate
ROOKWOOD GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNICATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 051
Governance and communication
Challenges Description The platform for achieving 1. Consistency of management Consistency consistency is in practices across the Necropolis The idea of consistency in cross-organisational 2. Cooperation between operating Rookwood is contentious because communication and entities by its nature it is a place of diversity. co-operation.” 3. Raising the profile of Rookwood However, in the context of governance, across the Sydney region there are obvious areas where through co-operation its management bodies Raising profile will be better able to support the In 2009 the Chief Executive of Land Vision of managing Rookwood as an and Property Management Authority ‘attractive and sustainable resource for made two points about the profile the people of Sydney’. These include of Rookwood. First, the higher the many elements described elsewhere profile of Rookwood the better able it in the plan – financial reporting, burial would be to ‘compete for resources practices, maintenance regimes and [and] the interest of the public and resource sharing, for example. public officials’. Second, he noted that promotion was largely left to the Trusts Cooperation and agreement whose responsibilities are necessarily Despite the simplified to the needs of those they serve, not management structure, it is the broader public. He concluded that inevitable that on occasion there will the plan of management should ‘look be difficulty in reaching consensus at how Rookwood as a whole sees about some matters. Most would itself and how it represents itself to the agree that in the past there have rest of the world’. been times when this has occurred. Since this was written a While disagreements may occur in whole-of-Rookwood website has the course of business, this plan been developed. recommends a communication protocol be developed to guide communcation and address disagreements at the earliest possible time.
Plan of Management 052 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNICATION
Issues for the strategy and plan
Consistency encourage the adoption compatible FoR could be seen as an exemplar of a The platform for achieving platforms for data storage and retrieval. whole-of Rookwood approach. consistency is in cross-organisational While this plan offers a process In preparing this plan, the FoR has communication and co-operation The for addressing promotion, rather than expressed concern about its long term formal structures that provide for this are specific (and unilateral) ideas, it is clear future. The number of active volunteers the RNT and the Rookwood Common that, for example, social media and Web has diminished to approximately six, and Property Management Committee 2.0 technologies offer opportunities the average age of volunteers is high. established under the Memorandum of to develop applications that will open No employee in the RNT has specific Understanding between the Catholic up Rookwood to new audiences in responsibility for promotion, and given Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust and the new ways. In another example, each this view from FoR, one of the challenges Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve organisation will increasingly need to in the next ten years is to attract the Trust. These forums will require a clear store their archives digitally. A common people and skills to achieve a whole- statement of purpose, an annual plan centralised archival system could of-Rookwood approach to promotion. and adequate resources in order to maintain a degree of independence, but A dedicated promotional/marketing increase whole of Rookwood service would be more cost effective than each position could assist with this. levels and deliver efficiencies for its organisation running its own project. constituent bodies. Passive recreation, education, Raising profile – Resources for cultural celebration conservation and promotion Cooperation – Agreement A number of Trusts have linkages to There needs to be agreed protocols In the past 30 years a voluntary schools, and the FoR conducts many established for when there are group, the Friends of Rookwood (FoR), tours during the year and organises an disagreements between Trusts that has dedicated itself to the following annual open day. However Rookwood intervene prior to Ministerial and other aim: ‘to promote the interests of does not have the vibrancy of many external representations being made. Rookwood Necropolis, raise public international cemeteries which have awareness of the social, cultural become centres of religious celebration, Cooperation – and historical aspects of Rookwood festivals and arts events. With proximity Knowledge management Necropolis and … to raise funds to road and rail access, Rookwood Each of Rookwood’s management and provide financial assistance for clearly has untapped potential as a organisations has its own website, special projects within the Rookwood centre for activities that do not conflict databases and archives. An outsider can Necropolis’. In pursuit of this goal with its primary purpose, but that understandably have trouble navigating they have raised over $250,000 for offer a greater range of services to the these diverse sources of information. conservation work, and in doing so people of Sydney. Again, a dedicated However, the history of the place is have had the practical support of many promotional/marketing position could such that in the short term there is little of the Trusts within the Necropolis. The assist with this. opportunity to centralise this knowledge. Trusts are understandably reluctant to ‘outsource’ their records to third parties Issue Strategic direction over which they have little control. Adopt consistency in governance Strengthen management through collaboration However, there is a clear opportunity Ensure cooperation – agreement and Strengthen management through to work cooperatively when planning knowledge management collaboration new initiatives. This could both Promote conservation, reacreation, Raise the profile of Rookwood prevent the type of duplication that education and cultural celebration has occurred with websites, and
ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 053
Management Unit policies
Figure 9 Management Unit boundaries
In this plan the Management Units form the basis for implementing the Vision at Rookwood, following agreement in principle from all of the Trusts. The challenges, identified in this section have raised issues of infrastructure, demand and supply, burial practices, ecology and environment, heritage, financial sustainability, governance and communication. The Management Units provide a framework in which these issues can be addressed. For each Management Unit the Trusts will need to build on the Principles and Guidelines specific to their Unit, as well as maintain an awareness of the policies that apply across their units. These policies will be sensitive to denominational requirements, particularly where renewable tenure is being considered. The key management priority within each Management Unit identifies the core priority as cemetery, crematorium or conservation as an historic site. Where any vegetation conservation areas are located within the Management Unit these are also identified.
Management Unit Boundaries
Plan of Management 054 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES
Management Unit 1 Wesleyan No. 1 Description State Heritage Register- Listed area. One of the most intact areas with the SHR- intimate in scale, circular parterres and gardens, vaults, and trees. Highly articulated with interpretation of the historic layers available. Design accredited to Charles Moore.
Desired Future Heritage landscape pattern- brick edges, gardens, trees, vaults, entire Victorian design maintained Character and interpreted. Visual connection with Mortuary Station site reinforced. Key Management Conservation as an historic site and interpretation. Priority Management Unit 2 Catholic No. 1 Description State Heritage Register- Listed area. First burial 1867. Alignment of railway spur is visible. Vaults reduce interpretation potential. Landmarks include St Michael the Archangel chapel, some Devonshire St monuments relocated here, Large Bunya, Hoop pines, trees and palms define circulation route. Desired Future Trees and circulation avenues defined and maintained, Serpentine protected, Railway spur Character interpreted, Views to Mortuary Station site reinforced. Key Management Heritage conservation and interpretation, Possible burial in areas to be identified whilst not Priority compromising heritage conservation Some cemetery purposes – may be possible without compromising the area. Management Unit 3 Anglican No. 1 Description State Heritage Register- Listed area. First burial 1868. Monuments from Old Sydney Burial ground, George St, relocated here. Strong grid arrangement of circulation paths and trees. Grid layout attributed to Pearce, articulated, ornamental design. Serpentine Victorian gardens provided pleasure ground character to cemetery. Large mature stone, hoop, bunya pines, cedars of Lebanon, palms. Botanic Garden style of planting recommended by JH Maiden. Includes Vegetation Conservation Area. Desired Future Heritage landscape pattern- brick edges, circular gardens, fountains, statuary, monuments, vaults, Character maintained. Tree planting maintained and reinforced. Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP. Some cemetery purposes – in select areas Management Unit 4 Anglican Description Monuments early to late 20th Century. Complimentary to Unit 3 with less detail and smaller nodal features, structures. Pines, palms, trees are visible landmarks. Structures on ridgeline at Hawthorn Ave- All Souls Chapel are also landmarks. Includes Vegetation Conservation Area. Desired Future Western portion from Canal attributed to JH Maiden to be maintained in its landscape pattern, trees Character and materials. Grid arrangement retained. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of intensification of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Heritage conservation – Some areas Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP.
ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 055
Management Unit 5 Anglican Description Post 1940-70’s burial in modified grid- simpler pattern to Edwardian burials of earlier Anglican areas. Bunya and Hoop pines, Date/Canary Is. palms punctuate the grid. Part is located on Hawthorne Ave ridges with panoramic views to CBD. Desired Future Views to east retained to CBD, axial pattern of circulation routes defined by palm/pine/tree planting Character retained and reinforced. Alignment of Railway interpreted. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Management Unit 6 Anglican Russian/Serbian Orthodox Description 1940 to post 1950’s burial, in grid layout. Russian Orthodox shrine is a focal point. Desired Future Areas retained to represent social/religious burial of Russian, Serbian Orthodox faith. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Management Unit 7 Mortuary Station No. 1 site Description State Heritage Register – Listed area. Central focus of Victorian cemetery layout attributed to Charles Moore. Mortuary Station No. 1 completed in 1869-James Barnet Architect. Area includes lawn burial, columbarium, Jewish Martyrs Memorial. Prominent high point located on spur ridge, views afforded to and beyond the site. Desired Future Heritage significance of this focal point respected in complimentary burial treatment. Current Character disjointed layout integrated better to reflect heritage significance. Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Some cemetery purposes – may be possible without compromising the area. Management Unit 8 Presbyterian No. 1 Description State Heritage Register – Listed area. Intact layout of circular and intricate burial pattern, vaults and heritage monuments. Frazer vault provides impressive focal point. Desired Future Original landscape pattern of circular brick kerbs, gutters, cross patterns and tree planting retained. Character Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Some cemetery purposes – may be possible Management Unit 8A General No. 1 Description Not listed in the SHR, although a No. 1 area. Chinese pavilion- 1877 provides Chinese cultural focal point. Area is sparsely marked with sandstone stelae and open in character. Desired Future Alignment of the Railway spur identified and interpreted, Chinese pavilion protected. Character Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Some cemetery purposes – may be possible
Plan of Management 056 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES
Management Unit 9 Catholic Description Late 19th and 20th Century burials in grid layout defined by tree lined streets. Brushbox, Canary Is. palms and pines define areas with Serpentine canal draining the western slope. Vaults, stelae, slab and desk monuments. Desired Future Palm/tree planting, significant vegetation retained and reinforced. Brushbox tree avenue on Gilroy Character Ave, Canary Is. palms on Freeman St protected and progressively reinstated where necessary. Canals protected and defined, axial views along circulation paths retained defining burial areas. Key Management Heritage conservation. Priority Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Management Unit 10 Independent Description Late 19th- early 20th Century burials. Parts included elaborate circular patterned layout with vaults as central focal points. Modified grid layout to remainder Desired Future Protection and conservation of original landscape pattern of one segment in grid – including kerbs, Character gutters, cross patterns, tree planting and vaults. Key Management Heritage conservation to one segment of grid including John Paul Vault and John Dunmore Priority Lang vault. Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Management Unit 11 Independent and Catholic Description Majority of area – 20th Century burials. Low areas and poorly drained around canals, large area allocated to Vegetation Conservation Area in two portions. Desired Future Protection of Vegetation Conservation Areas. Sensitive burial and renewal in other areas- not fully Character utilised at present. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP. Management Unit 12 Jewish and Independent Description State Heritage Register – Listed area. Significant architectural qualities, rich display of monuments, high visibility located on ridgeline and strong connections to Unit 7- Mortuary station site. Jewish area first to be consecrated in Dec.1866. First burial to entire Rookwood in Feb. 1867. Desired Future Original landscape pattern of circular brick kerbs, gutters, burial layout and orientation protected. Character Trees and shrub planting protected and reinforced. Significant as early Jewish burial area and highly articulated layout in both Jewish and Independent. Views are significant. Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Visual corridors and views retained.
ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 057
Management Unit 13 Independent Description A large unit including varied Independent areas – Russian Orthodox, Muslim, Salvation Army, Greek Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox. Railway alignment visible in parts with Railway culvert remaining on Barnet Ave. Russian Shrine provides. Landmark on ridge. Vegetation Conservation Area located centrally within valley of this visually enclosed unit. Desired Future Tree avenue following railway alignment protected and reinforced. Railway alignment interpreted, Character railway culvert identified, Vegetation Conservation Area protected, burials sensitive to social groupings, quality and views from unifying ridgeline on edges maintained, Russian Shrine maintained as focal point, trees reinforced. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP. Management Unit 14 Jewish Description Includes the only Jewish Cemetery in use in Sydney pre WW2. Pattern of burial and vegetation reflects distinct periods of design. North-western area- features, layout and monuments of high conservation value. Desired Future The cultural and historical significance of Area 14A west maintained with possible listing on the Character SHR. Vegetation protected and reinforced along edges and streets. Complimentary infill/ burial whilst respecting the cultural/religious requirements. Key Management Cemetery purposes Priority Heritage Conservation Management Unit 15 Crematorium Description First Cremation in 1925 saw burial’s decline at Rookwood. Crematorium tower is a major landmark visible from within and outside Rookwood, reinforced as it is located on the ridgeline. Eastern area includes walled garden complimentary to the Spanish Mission style crematorium. Significant trees are located in enclosed courtyard. Western area of open lawn and tree groupings is less developed. Desired Future Significant trees retained and reinforced. Walled garden and setting of crematorium Chapel retained. Character Key Management Crematorium purposes – Further utilisation for these purposes is possible with an intensification Priority of use. Management Unit 16 Lutheran Description Located on the ridge burial from 1890’s commenced. Rectilinear enclosed courtyards, defined by trees and hedges. Intimate in scale with garden character. World War 1 memorial is a focal point on the central axial path. Desired Future Trees and enclosed outdoor rooms retained. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights.
Plan of Management 058 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES
Management Unit 17 Catholic and Lutheran Description Mortuary Station No. 3 completed in this area in 1897- footings remain. Administrative centre of Catholic Cemetery. Mausoleum, Chapel, crematorium and condolences lounge located on major ridgeline with views south. Lawn burial radiates from ‘Crown of Thorns’ shrine, a landmark on the ridge. Desired Future Importance of the visibility of this ridgeline identified- any structure on it is highly visible. Trees Character reinforced on ridge, views retained. Railway alignment and station footings interpreted. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Heritage conservation – Mortuary Station footings and location. Management Unit 18 Catholic Description Located south of the main Rookwood ridgeline, includes large variety of 20th Century burials- Croatian, Melkite, Ukrainian, Slovene, Maronite- mostly post 1940’s. Large areas of lawn burials with crypts in the south. Brushbox and Canary Is. Date palms line the streets in part. Lewisham Cemetery monuments relocated here. Desired Future Tree avenues and pattern of circulation retained. Lewisham monuments protected and maintained. Character Additional tree planting to define and soften areas, and reinforce aging/declining trees. View along Sheehy Ave retained in both directions, as a significant avenue. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Management Unit 19 Catholic Description Recent 1980’s development, with tree avenues lining circular road pattern. Well defined and enclosed by vegetation with central water feature in gully. New pavilion at top of gully provides a focus. Desired Future Enclosed landscape character retained with tree avenues retained. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Management Unit 20 Anglican and Jewish Description Mortuary Station No. 4 completed in 1908- no longer present with alignment of railway fully buried in Jewish area. Mostly 20th Century burials with Chinese pavilion as a landmark in the centre. Few trees are present, large area of Chinese monumental burials. Trees along Whelan Avenue are important visual definition. The ridge on Hawthorne Ave is significant with its views to the CBD. Desired Future Panoramic views from Hawthorne Avenue to CBD retained. Views to Chinese pavilion as a central Character landmark retained. Additional tree planting on edges and streets to define areas. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights.
ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 059
Management Unit 21 Sydney War Cemetery – Garden of Remembrance Description Immaculately maintained areas, defined by hedging and enclosed walls. Lawn burial area is uniformly laid out with roses and gardens defining each plot. Niche walls in the Garden of Remembrance. Sandstone loggia is an attractive entry point Desired Future Large trees defining the area retained and reinforced, character of hedged areas protected. Character Key Management Special cemetery purposes – commemorating eligible veterans whose death can be attributed to Priority operational service. Management Unit 22 Anglican and General Description Recent burial area dating from 1990’s. Includes large monuments with few trees. Vegetation Conservation Area included in the south. Newly released area for burial in south. Desired Future Character of social/religious group burials identified. Opportunity for additional burials. Tree planting Character to boundaries reinforced. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identified, identification of opportunities to intensify use Priority and/or introduce renewable interment rights. Management Unit 23 Muslim Description Dense palm planting within graves identifies area as significant cultural diversity at Rookwood. Burial orientation to Mecca – Muslim office provides orientation point. Views south into Unit from Memorial Ave. Desired Future Cultural burial practices retained and diversity legible. New lawn burial area complimentary. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes Priority Management Unit 24 Lot 10: Anglican and General, Lot 7053 Description New burial area in Lot 10. Open and requires additional planting to define and soften. Vegetation Conservation Area present in the east with large transmission towers over. Desired Future Planted boundaries with landscape to define burial areas. Railway boundary treed to screen Character industrial areas beyond. Key Management Cemetery purposes – new burial in Lot 10. Priority Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP.
One representative Management Unit has been selected to illustrate the Management Unit policies that apply to one representative unit. The complete set of Management Units is included in the Support Documents.
Reference Documents Management Unit policies – Management Units 1 to 24. Chapter V 1993 Rookwood POM survey by Dr S Lavelle 1988
Plan of Management 060 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES
Example Management Unit profile (Unit 1 – Wesleyan No 1)
Desired future Key management character: priorities:
Description: One of the most intact Heritage landscape pattern – SD 1 Adopt Sustainable areas within the SHR – intimate in brick edges, gardens, trees, vaults Management Practices scale, circular parterres and gardens, – entire Victorian design maintained P12 Identify opportunities for vaults, trees- highly articulated with and interpreted. burial and renewable tenure interpretation of historic layers possible. whilst maintaining Rookwood values (heritage, social, visual, vegetation): 12.1 The Unit is in SHR and is not generally suitable for renewable tenure.
SD 2 Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment P1 Maintain Visual Corridors: 1.1 Maintain the internal foreground views to the circular grassed/ gravel circulation paths. 1.2 Maintain visual connection with Unit 7. P2 Maintain Historic Circulation Routes including setting and material fabric: 2.1 Maintain curvilinear paths in scale, materials and landscape character. P3 Maintain landscape pattern of areas within State Heritage Register (SHR): 3.1 Protect historic circulation routes in entire area.
ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 061
P4 Maintain landscape design P8 Maintain significant trees/ including influences of prominent vegetation/ botanical items of individuals: rarity- refer Significant Tree 4.1 Maintain the pattern of intact fabric Register and threatened species: and highly articulated paths and 8.1 Maintain all trees and replace via planning of the Charles Moore an ongoing tree planting program plan (one of the best examples of – high priority are trees at high this style at Rookwood). points near Unit P5 Maintain heritage 8.2 Tree management needs to monuments, features, landmarks take account of the Jewish law of artistic, creative and technical Halacha that determines where value including their settings: trees are to be planted and 5.1 Protect and maintain historic maintained. vaults including the landscape 8.3 Maintain all heritage roses. planting and setting. 8.4 Review Camphor Laurels 5.2 Protect all heritage monuments within the Unit – damage to identified in heritage study- monuments. Take remedial action, maintain inventory. in accordance with permissible 5.3 Maintain the spatial qualities and heritage activities if required landscape context/setting of all 8.5 Identify and record all significant vaults and burial areas. trees and plantings as part of 5.4 Protect character of the significant tree register Lidcombe gates, walls, sculpture P10 Recognise high points and by Hossein Valamanesh and the ridgelines: visually prominent landscape setting. areas: P6 Interpret significant heritage 10.1 Consult guidelines for ridgeline if features and/or heritage items no undertaking activities in the high longer present: point – connection to Unit 7.
6.1 Strengthen the visual connection SD 4 Respect cultural diversity with Unit 7, original Mortuary and equitable allocation of station site. resources P7 Implement and reinforce P11 Maintain representative established street hierarchy- examples of social/religious primary, secondary, tertiary. group burial practices: 7.1 Maintain Necropolis Drive, 11.1 Retain and protect areas identified Necropolis Crt and Cohen Ave in the social mapping study – primary roads – Rookwood 11.2 Not suitable for renewable tenure. Common Property Management Committee to manage existing tree planting as part of a tree management policy
Plan of Management 062 STRATEGY AND PLAN
SYDNEY WAR CEMETERY
ROOKWOOD INTRODUCTION STRATEGY AND PLAN 063
Strategyand plan
In order to meet the challenges of the next ten years and beyond, five strategic directions are recommended, each of which has been agreed by the bodies that manage Rookwood.
1. Adopt sustainable management a. The future management of Reference Documents practices Rookwood Necropolis should build 2. Protect Rookwood’s heritage and on past successes. While there conserve its environment is no doubt that there have been The Chief Executive of criticisms of past management LPMA’s letter to the RNT – 3. Strengthen management through practices – both from within and LPMA 2009 collaboration outside the Necropolis – it is also Sustainable burials in the 4. Respect for cultural diversity and undeniable that since the last Plan Sydney Greater Metropolitan equitable allocation of resources of Management was adopted Area, Discussion Paper– NSW 5. Raise the profile of Rookwood as a in the 1990s Rookwood has Department of Lands 2008 resource for the whole of Sydney experienced a revival largely driven Rookwood Plan of All of these have a single goal by the managers on the ground, Management, Pricing and captured in the Vision for Rookwood their boards, other volunteers Accounting Working Party over the next ten years; to manage from the community and the Report – RNT October 2010 Rookwood as an attractive and NSW Government. sustainable resource for the people b. If this is recognised, then it follows of Sydney. that future directions should also Each of these directions has be informed by a study of the an influence on the others, and aspirations of those who have had, therefore none of them should be and continue to have, an interest in seen as standing alone. Sustainability the Necropolis; its key stakeholders. often involves trade-offs, something c. This Plan of Management is part of Rookwood’s managers understand in a continuum and should therefore their daily decision-making. Their primary pay due attention to previous plans goal may be financial viability but this and progress to meeting the goals has to be balanced against respect for described in those plans. culture, preservation of heritage and d. The directions should accord with conservation of biodiversity. and build on the areas of consensus In preparing the strategic directions that have been reached amongst Rookwood’s management bodies these stakeholders; most particularly adopted the following approach. the agreed vision for the Necropolis and the concept of Management Units that often transcend Trust boundaries.
Plan of Management 064 STRATEGY AND PLAN SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
1. Adopt sustainable management practices
Management Description principles
Each strategic direction is Long term sustainability at ~~ Aim for financial viability: price presented in the same format: Rookwood will rely on sound financial burial licenses to cover the cost management by all organisations; of operations and perpetual and the application of sustainable maintenance of graves, monuments Description burial practices in each portion of landscape and infrastructure the cemetery. Fees will need to be ~~ Achieve financial consistency reviewed regularly with a view to across Trusts; adopt the same keeping them abreast of all financial financial year and standardised Management principles needs, including provision for the long accounting, pricing and reporting term maintenance of the grounds after methodologies land for burial has been exhausted. ~~ Establish financial benchmarks that Guidelines and actions allow easy assessment of each Trust’s commercial sustainability ~~ Each Trust to maintain financial and operational risk management Performance indicators processes ~~ Comply with agreed management guidelines for each of Rookwood’s Management Units ~~ Maintain an inventory of significant infrastructure and a capital works program to maintain and improve the Necropolis ~~ Agree standard protocols and procedures early in the development cycle to share information about development proposals and applications ~~ Seek market efficiencies and new approaches to the disposition of the dead, where cultural sensitivities allow this ~~ Actively seek to revoke unused burial licences after 50 years ~~ Develop plans that account for the possible introduction of renewable tenure in the medium to long term.
ROOKWOOD SECONDARYSUSTAINABLE HEADING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES STRATEGY AND PLAN 065
Guidelines and actions
1.1 Update existing records across Guidelines should respect cultural ~~ Align price of burial licences with the cemetery and maintain diversity and values, including underlying entitlements. in a consistent format. recognition of Aboriginal archeology. ~~ Review extent of single burial sites ~~ Undertake audits of available supply ~~ Establish architectural guidelines and the impact on ‘value’ of burial. of burial spaces across all Trusts. for built form at Rookwood to provide a whole of Rookwood 1.7 Develop common financial ~~ Maintain statistics on interments reporting standards. and cremations. character whilst respecting each Management Unit character. ~~ Pursue operational sustainability ~~ Improve methods of estimating as a working cemetery subject 1.1 ~~ Develop a materials palette that demand. to maintenance of minimal is sympathetic to Rookwood as a financial reserves. 1.2 Identify opportunities whole, whilst allowing for diversity. for additional burial ~~ Develop alternative cost base for places whilst maintaining 1.4 Develop environmentally allocation of common costs. Rookwood wide values- sustainable policies. 1.8 Develop an Interpretation heritage, social, visual, ~~ Prepare an Environmental Plan vegetation and ecological. Management Plan to guide all ~~ To include all values of the site, Prepare a plan for each Management Unit environmental issues at Rookwood. including Aboriginal. that could accept additional interment ~~ Work with the Trusts in recording sites that identifies opportunities to: and sharing current sustainability and environmental initiatives. ~~ re-model or re-landscape existing Key performance space, including by closing or re- 1.5 Evaluate infrastructure designing roads and accessways, to requirements to ensure areas free up space for new interment sites suitability to the needs of 99 Consistent format for reporting ~~ create new interment sites in the cemetery uses. across the Trusts unused or unerutilised areas ~~ Maintain existing level of service 99 Timely financial reporting from with appropriate landscape provided by primary and secondary all Trusts management abnd accessibility road network and review to 99 Quantum of reserves invested ~~ revoke unused interment sites respond to changes when required. for long term maintenance in accordance with legislative ~~ Maintain existing security infrastructure 99 Improved efficiency in land use requirements i.e. unused sites to protect assets of the cemetery. across the Trusts where the interment right is older ~~ Adopt new technologies where 99 Better use of cemetery space, than 50 years. efficiencies in management can including new and existing Establish a ‘natural burial’ policy and be made. interment sites design guideline for implementation ~~ Share resources across Trusts, 99 Introduction of renewable across Rookwood – consult with Trusts described in environmental interment rights on current policies. sustainable policies, along with 99 Best practice sustainability 1.3 Collaborate in developing sharing security services. in the use of materials and infill guidelines to apply 1.6 Develop uniform approach resources across Rookwood. to pricing and licensing 99 A whole of Rookwood ~~ Establish architectural/design across Trusts. character guidelines for infill working in ~~ Introduce a uniform system of collaboration with the Trusts. licensing. Plan of Management 066 STRATEGY AND PLAN PROTECT HERITAGE AND CONSERVE ENVIRONMENT
2. Protect Rookwood’s heritage and conserve its environment
Management Description principles Guidelines and actions
Rookwood is at the source of ~~ Assess the value of visual, 2.1 Maintain Visual Corridors identified three catchments, contains a vegetation and heritage in Visual Significance Study. variety of threatened species significance within the context ~~ Recognise all existing visual corridors and and is a “tangible manifestation of the entire Necropolis and consider effect when any building or major of the social history of Sydney, ongoing cemetery operations planting program is proposed documenting the cultural and ~~ Adopt the Management Units ~~ In particular recognise important viewpoints religious diversity of the Australian as described in the Rookwood for community lookouts and establish community since 1867”8. Visual Significance Study, interpretation at these points – ie where bus Management therefore needs to and subsequently developed stops, offices interpretive structures are located be mindful of its biodiversity and guidelines for their management at these points heritage when it makes decisions. ~~ Conserve threatened species ~~ Provide special consideration to high points in a manner consistent with and ridgelines: visually prominent areas. both legislation and the sustainability of the cemeteries 2.2 Maintain historic circulation routes ~~ Maintain an inventory including setting and material fabric. of significant items of ~~ Identify the historic circulation routes (including heritage, regularly update roads and former rail corridors) from the and incorporate into heritage study and visual significance study- management plans protect and interpret the routes ~~ Regenerate native vegetation ~~ Ensure the alignment of all existing heritage where desirable. routes is maintained, while maintaining roads. 2.3 Maintain landscape pattern of areas within the State Heritage Register. ~~ Where Management Units are within the SHR ensure the heritage values, landscape character, vegetation and visual values are retained ~~ Identify additional interpretation opportunities.
2.4 Friends of Rookwood ~~ Recognise that Friends of Rookwood is a resource that has a significant archive of knowledge, both in its records and amongst its membership that will assist in achieving this strategic direction.
Coreopsis in flower, Old Presbyterian section
ROOKWOOD PROTECT HERITAGE AND CONSERVE ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY AND PLAN 067
2.4 Maintain areas of ~~ Establish design guidelines ~~ Continue ongoing tree planting program to landscape design for interpreting the railway maintain longevity of landscape at Rookwood and influences of alignment, previous stations, ~~ As part of Landscape Master Plan address prominent individuals. railway corridor timeline and replanting program to ensure ~~ Ensure integrity of areas of ~~ Establish design guidelines tree cover is maintained/established prior existing design characteristic for burial places along the to vegetation removal (subject to approval are retained- landscape railway corridor processes) character, vegetation, visual ~~ Maintain a consistent ~~ Conserve threatened species in and built form characteristics. signage theme for all areas of accordance with current legislation, interpretation. by continuing current Vegetation 2.5 Maintain heritage Conservation Management program monuments, features, 2.7 Implement and landmarks of artistic, reinforce established ~~ Review Trust reserves in relation to creative and technical street hierarchy- Vegetation Conservation Management value including their primary, secondary, program and possible land re-allocation for settings- record within tertiary to assist in central management. an updated inventory. orientation and way 2.9 Maintain historic serpentine and ~~ Develop further the significant finding. canals. buildings register into a pro- ~~ Maintain primary and ~~ Maintain and improve stormwater drainage forma for an inventory of all secondary road design network- in particular canals in urgent need heritage monuments; issue hierarchy- Continue to of repair include – primary canals 9 and 3 and to Trusts for maintenance upgrade in accordance with secondary canals 6, 7, 8(a) and 8(b) and update where items fall strategy ~~ Undertake maintenance in accordance with within Management Units ~~ Plant and replace street the Canal Study ~~ Maintain inventory for whole- trees in accordance with tree ~~ Maintain vegetation- flora and fauna habitat of-Rookwood to be kept in management policy. corridor adjacent to canals; establish central records. 2.8 Maintain significant vegetation corridor where it is not present 2.6 Interpret significant trees/vegetation/ ~~ Manage trees along canals to prevent heritage features and/ botanical items of destruction of heritage fabric. or heritage items rarity in accordance no longer present, with results of the Key performance areas in accordance with Significant Tree heritage guidelines. Register. 99 Adoption of and compliance with management unit guidelines ~~ Develop a plan to ensure ~~ Establish a Landscape 99 Currency of inventory, protection and interpretation is effective, Master Plan, including a maintenance of significant items of heritage functional and relevant. Significant Tree Register and Identify significant Tree Management Policy. 99 Legislative compliance monuments in this Keep register updated across 99 Increased biodiversity Interpretation Plan all Management Units 99 Maintenance/reinforcement of landscape character
Plan of Management 068 STRATEGY AND PLAN STRENGTHEN MANAGEMENT THROUGH COLLABORATION
3. Strengthen management through collaboration
Management Description principles Guidelines and actions
The complex nature of ~~ Use the Committee of 3.1 Establish a Plan of Management Rookwood’s management Managers as the primary Implementation Committee. arrangements places a premium forum to provide a co-ordinated ~~ Membership of the Committee to be a on inter-Trust collaboration, approach to management nominated trustee from each Trust, the transparency in long term and operational issues National Trust, the War Graves Commission, planning, and consulting with the ~~ Agree a mechanism for cross- crematorium lessee and the Department of broader community about the Trust communication in the early Primary Industries. This committee should process of managing the area. planning stages of development meet at least quarterly projects, particularly when ~~ Committee of managers to work jointly they may have commercial, where projects apply across Trust boundaries environmental or other impacts and where efficiencies of investment may beyond Trust boundaries, or be applied where the sharing of investment ~~ Within the first year of the plan the Committee costs may produce efficiencies of Managers to initiate a project that explores ~~ Incorporate the insights and the potential for greater co-operation to views of the wider community provide a centralised system for knowledge on Rookwood’s planning capture, retrieval and public dissemination. through consultative processes ~~ Act together to collectively to influence external decision- makers about matters that will increase the sustainability Rookwood. Key performance areas 99 Resource sharing 99 Joint projects 99 Consultation mechanisms and processes
Heritage monuments, Jewish section
ROOKWOOD RESPECT FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY STRATEGY AND PLAN 069
4. Respect for cultural diversity and equitable allocation of resources
Management Description principles Guidelines and actions
This refers to the need to ~~ Management Units should 4.1 Maintain representative examples demonstrate continuing respect not stifle cultural/religious of social/religious group burial for cultural/faith diversity and difference within the one area practices when considering the compromises that are often ~~ Renewable tenure should not sustainable burial -intensification, required between the most be imposed on areas within re-use and renewal. efficient use of land, and cultural/ Rookwood where it is in conflict ~~ Identify areas within Management Units religious preferences. It also with cultural/religious values where intensification of use can occur without recognises the importance of ~~ The available land for burial compromising cultural diversity and beliefs management keeping pace with within Rookwood should ~~ Allow for cultural/religious differences within the changing demographics/ consider changes in religious each Management Unit while considering demand of Sydneysiders in and cultural preferences of impact of adjacent burial styles decisions about the allocation of Sydney’s population Rookwood’s resources. ~~ Review opportunities for burials of specific ~~ Rookwood’s social value religious groups within all Management Units. should be enhanced as a place of passive recreation and education (this is also applicable to Strategic Direction 5).
Key performance areas 99 Feedback from the funeral industry and clients 99 Linkages to and programs with schools and other educational bodies 99 Involvement of the community in Rookwood’s events
Jewish section
Plan of Management 070 STRATEGY AND PLAN RAISE THE PROFILE OF ROOKWOOD
5. Raise the profile of Rookwood as a resource for the whole of Sydney
Management Description principles Guidelines and actions
In addition to its principal ~~ Present and promote a 5.1 Improve resources. business, Rookwood has ‘whole-of-Rookwood’ image A marketing and promotions manager will be significant social, educational ~~ Interpret and promote appointed whose role will include: and recreational value to significant heritage features ~~ Maintenance of the Rookwood Necropolis its many publics. A whole- ~~ Gain the public’s esteem website of-Rookwood approach to by effective and ongoing promoting this is required if this ~~ Coordinating media responses to provide a maintenance of Rookwood value is to be maximised. whole of Rookwood response ~~ Commit resources to a ~~ Scheduling and organising events that unified program to promote promote Rookwood as a centre for passive Rookwood as a place of recreation passive recreation and ~~ Creating linkages across Sydney including to educational value schools and Sydney-wide festivals ~~ Ensure a sustainable base ~~ Support for the activities of the Friends of of volunteers exists who will Rookwood continue to conserve, promote and protect Rookwood ~~ Support to the promotional activities of Rookwood’s Trusts ~~ Explore opportunities to make archival material available to ~~ Continue and promote sponsorship by the public through a central Crown Lands Division of Events – “Hidden point of access. Art Festival”. 5.2 Expand on existing interpretation initiatives. ~~ Interpret the alignment of the railway corridor by identifying significant elements- location of the four stations. Mortuary Station No 1 is the only station currently interpreted and identified; surviving railway culvert and railway reversing area ~~ Interpret the railway connection with the Mortuary Station at Central ~~ Review funding/grant opportunities for interpretation projects.
ROOKWOOD RAISE THE PROFILE OF ROOKWOOD STRATEGY AND PLAN 071
1.
5.3 Adopt and expand on design guidelines for promotion of ‘whole of Rookwood’ image. ~~ Coordinate with Guidelines and Actions identified in Strategic Direction 2 ~~ Achieve greater consistency in signage across the Necropolis.
5.4 Identify public profile initiatives as well as passive recreational opportunities ~~ Explore web/social media communication of Rookwood and interpretive projects ~~ Expand on the Rookwood events by publicising a Rookwood events program coordinated across Trusts ~~ Promote and update the calendar on the website.
2. 3.
Key performance areas 99 Resources committed to joint marketing initiatives 99 Linkages to Sydney-wide festivals and activities 99 Support and succession planning for the Friends of Rookwood
1. ROOKWOOD OPEN DAY An event undertaken every 2 years organised by the Friends of Rookwood, with assistance from the RNT. Activities include parades, tours and demonstrations of activities within Rookwood.
2. ST MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL 3. INTERIOR VIEW ST MICHAEL Chapel Catholic No.1 Chapel Catholic No.1
Plan of Management 072 GLOSSARY
SYDNEY GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE
ROOKWOOD GLOSSARY GLOSSARY 073
Glossary
Term Meaning Burial licence Means a licence granted by a reserve trust that confers an exclusive right to bury the remains of one or more persons in a burial place. Burial place Means a grave site, vault site, crypt site or other place for the disposition of the remains of the dead. Denominational In relation to land within the Rookwood Necropolis that is set aside for use as a cemetery or trust crematorium, means the reserve trust that has been, or is taken to have been, appointed as trustee of that land under section 92 (1) of the Act, and includes a person conducting a crematorium on the general crematorium site (if there is no other denominational trust for that site), but does not include the Rookwood Necropolis Trust. Family graves Are graves designed to accommodate two or more burials accommodating other family members from the current or future generations. Interment Means the placing of human remains in a burial place but does not include interment of ashes arising from a cremation. Lift and deepen A common cemetery practise in many countries around the world where an old grave is excavated and all remains are reburied at a lower depth. The practice is only carried out after a minimum amount of time has passed since the last burial eg 25 years or more. Lifting and deepening allows additional burials to take place. Natural burials In this plan natural burial refers to the interment of body in the soil in a manner that does not inhibit decomposition but allows the body to recycle naturally. The site is usually without monumentation. Ministerial Means a direction given by the Minister under the provisions of Part 5 of the Crown Lands Act 1989. Direction Principles of Are the principles given in section 11 of the Crown Lands Act 1989: (a) that environmental protection Crown land principles be observed in relation to the management and administration of Crown land, (b) that the management natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic quality) be conserved wherever possible (c) that public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged, (d) that, where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged, (e) that, where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a way that both the land and its resources are sustained in perpetuity, and (f) that Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licenced or otherwise dealt with in the best interests of the State consistent with the above principles. Renewable Means limiting the term of a burial licence for an initial period, for example 25 years, after which the tenure registered holder would have the option to renew the tenure or not. If not renewed the licence would be cancelled to allow a new licence to be created.
Plan of Management 074 GLOSSARY GLOSSARY
Term Meaning Rookwood Means the land comprising Lot 500, Deposited Plan 1015565, Lot 7053, Deposited Plan 1029128, Necropolis and Lot 10, Deposited Plan 829656, being land at Haslem’s Creek and Rookwood that, immediately before the appointed day, was set aside for use as a cemetery or crematorium, or for conservation as a historic site, under the 1901 Act. Selling on Is the practice of selling burial licences before the grave is needed for an interment. This is not a demand sustainable practice. Sustainable Includes such practices as: burial practices ~~ take up of unused burial rights ~~ more intensive use of family graves ~~ renewable tenure for graves ~~ extinction of tenure for old graves ~~ increased use of mausoleums ~~ adoption of alternative interment practices such as cremation and ~~ green burials ~~ changes to the sale of burial space. Sydney Is the Sydney Region excluding Gosford and Wyong LGAs Sydney Greater Includes the Sydney, Newcastle/Lower Hunter, Central Coast and Wollongong Regions Metropolitan Area Unused burial Are burial licences for a burial place where an interment has not occurred. rights
ROOKWOOD ENDNOTES ENDNOTES 075
Endnotes
1 Rookwood Necropolis Aboriginal Archaeological Potential Desk-Top Assessment AHMS Pty Ltd, July 2010 2 More comprehensive, referenced, histories of Rookwood can be sourced in the 1993 Plan of Management and a number of websites associated with Rookwood (www.rookwood.nsw.gov.au) 3 Report on the Need, Method of Introduction and Operation of the Renewable Tenure for Burials in cemeteries in New South Wales. A report to the Minister for Natural Resources, December 1989, P13. 4 Burial Space in the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Area, Discussion Paper, NSW Government, 2008, p7. The discussion paper assumes that the ratio of cremations to burials would be two thirds cremations to one third burials. 5 Population data taken from ABS Publications 3218 & 3302. Population projects based NSW Department of Planning population projections. 6 Rookwood Necropolis – Report on the Canals, Ponds and Bridges and Selected Drains, Hyder Consulting Pty Ltd, December 2010. 7 Rookwood Necropolis – Road Hierarchy Study, Tar Technologies Pty Ltd, August 2010. 8 National Trust 1988 and Significance updated 1997
Plan of Management 076 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Acknowledgements
The Rookwood Necropolis Trust (RNT) would like to thank all parties involved in the development of this Plan of Management. It also takes this opportunity to acknowledge the major contributors to its content:
The trustees of the RNT 2009-12 (Plan of Management Sub-committee) Name Expertise John Desmond Finance and accounting Derek Sinclair Committee chair, sustainability, statutory framework Dr Siobhan Lavelle Heritage Margaret Thorne Reviewer
The consultant team Name Organisation Expertise James Evans Elton Consulting Workshop facilitation, planning context, history, editing Carolyn Tallents DEM (Aust) Visual significance, management units, ecology, editing David Walker Elton Consulting Graphic design
Photographic credits Credit Pages David Walker Front cover, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 16, 21, 29, 34, 37, 62, 66, 69, 72 Carolyn Tallents 27 ( 1), 30-31, 32, 39, 46 (right) Derek Sinclair 3, 46 (left), 47 Laurie Gatt 27 ( 2 and 3) P and J Smith 27 (4) Sach Killam 68 State archives 22,25 Jewish Trust 48 Friends of Rookwood Inside cover, 71 (1) Catholic Metropolitan 41, 71(2,3) Cemeteries Trust
ROOKWOOD APPENDIX A APPENDICES 077 Appendix A Two Trust Memorandum of Understanding
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Index of Reference Documents Throughout this Plan of Management reference is made to documents that will give greater insight to the legislative, governance and planning framework that supported the development of the plan. Below is an index of these documents in the sequence they are referenced in the plan and a brief description of each. If readers wish to view these documents they should visit Rookwood’s official website(www.rookwood.nsw.gov.au) where the web version of this appendix provides links to them.
Document Description
Ministerial directions 2009 In 2009 the then Minister required that this Plan of Management be prepared under the provisions of 92(6b) of the Crown Lands Act 1989.
Rookwood Plan of Management The predecessor to this plan. 1993
Land and Property Management A letter from the Chief Executive of the then LPMA to the newly appointed Chair of Authority (LPMA ) Chief the Rookwood Necropolis Trust giving guidance about the Authority’s expectations Executive’s letter 2009 of the plan, particularly priority areas of focus.
Repeal of the Rookwood Legislation that repealed the Rookwood Necropolis Act, abolished the Joint Necropolis Act 1901 Committee of Necropolis Trustees and established the Rookwood Necropolis Trust (RNT).
Land Management Principles Section 11 of the Crown Lands Act 1989 describes the principles by which all Crown Land, including the Rookwood Necropolis, should be managed.
Crown Lands Act 1989 and Rookwood Necropolis is dedicated as a cemetery under Part 5 of this Act. Among regulations other provisions, the Act also empowers the Minister to create and abolish Trusts, appoint and replace trust board members and the authority to prepare or require the preparation of plan of management.
Heritage Act 1977 The Heritage Act 1977 provides a number of mechanisms by which items and places of heritage significance may be protected. The Rookwood Necropolis is listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR) for its State heritage significance.
Environmental Planning & The Necropolis is zoned SP1 Special Activities – Cemetery under the Auburn Local Assessment Act (EP&AA)1979 Environmental Plan (LEP) 2010, itself prepared under the EP&AA and approved by the Minister for Planning. The Act requires any proposed developments by Trusts obtain owner’s (the Department of Primary Industries) consent to ensure consistency with this plan.
Plan of Management 094 APPENDICES APPENDIX B
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Threatened Species and This Act protects threatened, vulnerable and endangered flora and fauna, some of Conservation Act 1995 which fall within the boundaries of Rookwood Necropolis.
Public Health Regulation 2012 Part 8 Public Health Regulation 2012 controls the activities of cemetery and cremation authorities and any businesses engaged in the transportation, storage, burial, cremation or exhumation of human remains.
Property Management Plan The PMP provides for the ongoing operation of the Necropolis and the protection Rookwood Necropolis 2008 of high conservation value native vegetation, while at the same time maximising the (PMP with subsequent cemetery’s capacity for burial. revisions).
Plant Census – annual – latest Required by the PMP, this census monitors and reports upon threatened plant 2012 species populations at Rookwood. Updated annually.
Rookwood Visual Significance This study is an important building block for the future management of the Study 2010 (DEM Aust) Necropolis. In particular it informed the development of management units as described in this Plan.
Management Unit Policies 2013 This sets the detailed policies and priorities for each of Rookwood’s 24 (DEM Aust) management units as summarised in pages 54-59 of this plan.
Sustainable burials in the The discussion paper sought industry and public comments and suggestions on Sydney Greater Metropolitan the options available to the Government to address the problems associated with Area, Discussion Paper– NSW management of burial space in the Sydney Greater Metropolitan Area. Department of Lands 2008
Rookwood Plan of Management An internal RNT working paper that laid the ground for the financial aspects of the Working Party Report 2010 strategy and plan as described on pages 63-71 of this Plan of Management.
ROOKWOOD