General News
17 December, 2025
Grave demand for plot slots
A CRITICAL shortage of burial plots has led Cairns Regional Council offering to buy back reserved sections, some of which date back 84 years.
Nearly 400 plots have been reserved with the oldest from 1941.
A council statement said about 150 burials a year were conducted at Cairns Cemetery (right) and while the council was trying to increase available land, “supply is becoming critically low”.
“In response, council’s cemeteries’ strategy seeks to implement projects that open up new space whilst also identify if existing plots can be bought back into circulation,” it said.
“Of the 1212 reserved plots, nearly 400 plots have been reserved for more than 25 years but remain unused.
“Cairns Regional Council is implementing the voluntary plot buyback program as part of the current Cairns cemetery strategy to increase land availability for future burials and the placement of ashes and to extend the lifespan of Cairns Cemetery.
“The program focuses on burial plots that have been reserved for an extended period of time but remain unused.
“Its purpose is to determine whether these plots are still required by the registered burial right holder or if they can be returned to council.
“Plots that are surrendered will become available for future burials.”
A council statement said a refund of up to $450 would be provided for adult monumental or lawn section plots reserved for more than 25 years and the normal $250 application fee would be waived.
“Under local laws, council will provide written notice to burial right holders recorded on council’s records to confirm whether they wish to retain their plot or surrender it to council for a refund,” the statement said.
“The program will run for six months, from 1 December 2025 to 31 May 2026.
“Burial rights for plots where written consent is not received during this period will be revoked and the plots will be made available for future use.
“Council anticipates that inquiries may also come from burial right holders with reservations at other cemeteries or for less than 25 years, whereby the same process will apply.
“An extensive six-month marketing campaign will run to ensure as many burial right holders as possible are informed of the program.”
Site holders are asked to contact council on 1300 69 22 47 or email cemeteriesbuyback@council.qld.gov.au
