Would you have a picnic in a cemetery?
How about a bike ride, a walk with a friend, or even the dog?
Plans for the biggest new cemetery in Victoria in 100 years have been released, including valuable community open space, along with enough burial and cremation space for the next 150 years of population growth.
The 128-hectare site at Harkness, in Melbourne's outer west, is on farmland on the fringe of Melton's growth boundary, with new housing estates on one side and the remnant Gilgai Woodlands on the other.
The Greater Metropolitan Cemetery Trust (GMCT) masterplan for the site argues climate change, population density and demand for more open space means "single-use land is becoming less feasible".
"A reimagined cemetery is critical in addressing these challenges for Melbourne's rapid growth and community expectations," it said.
GMCT chief executive Andrew Erikson told the ABC the masterplan included a walkway running along Arnold's Creek, to form what he termed the "cultural spine" of the site.
"Obviously we need to be respectful that it is a cemetery first and foremost," he said.
"But there are opportunities to enjoy the biodiversity."
He said there had been an extensive consultation process which included Wurundjeri traditional owners, multi-faith groups and residents.
"There is conversation for a smoking ceremony area, which is one of those opportunities to just pause and reflect," he said.
The cemetery is expected to open in 2026.
Multi-faith network wants more crematory space
Data from the Melton City Council shows the area in Melbourne's outer west is the second-fastest growing part of Victoria.
It is also a very multicultural area, with nearly 40 per cent of residents born overseas at the 2021 census.
Eight per cent of Melton residents were born in India — double the Victorian average.
Melton Multifaith Network vice-president Kulvinder Singh said he had been involved in the cemetery consultation, but he was worried there was not enough cremation space in the masterplan, especially for members of the South Asian community.
"It's so important for us to go by the ritual that our elders have been doing for thousands and thousands of years," he said.
"It's burning to make your soul go in a way as per the rituals."
He added he supported the idea of using a cemetery for recreation space.
"I believe it's a very good idea, for people to see other cultures — Australia is a multicultural community," he said.
"People should go there and see what other people are doing and learn from other cultures."
The cemetery trust's Mr Erikson said more details would come out in the next phase of design.
But not all residents are convinced by the early plans.
Joyce Toway lives across a paddock from the site.
She said when she bought her new house three years ago, she was told there were plans for a shopping centre, where there would be jobs for young locals.
She said the area was growing rapidly and needed more parks — but she wouldn't be taking up the idea of a family picnic in a cemetery.
"A cemetery is a cemetery," she said.
"Culturally it's disrespectful to the dead because that's their resting place."
She said if the cemetery went ahead, she would move house.
"It is very creepy, it is very concerning," she said.
Eco-burials on the cards
Mr Erikson said one of the trends that came out of the consultation was an interest in sustainability, particularly among younger people.
"Things like composting are being discussed, alkaline hydrolysis is another method, so they're emerging in the space at the moment," he said.
He said composting would require legislative change in Victoria, but it had been popular overseas.
"Some of the early preferences will be somewhat traditional, but other things will emerge over time," he said.
