Southern Memorial Park


Current update

The required planning approvals were progressed as part of the design phase. The development application has been conditionally approved. This means design work is progressing in response to the conditionally approved elements of the development application.

Only priority identified works will proceed to the final design stage. These final designs will be shared with the community once complete. The proposed works for this first stage are below.

Page last reviewed 05 Aug 2026

Project description

Design is underway on Southern Memorial Park.

The ACT Government is building a new cemetery for the southside to meet the needs of our growing city. We recognise as our city grows it also becomes more culturally diverse so we need to provide cemetery and crematoria services which all Canberrans can access. The initial masterplan for the future Southern Memorial Park was prepared in 2012 with a revised version completed in early 2021 to update the masterplan and prepare concept designs for the first stage of construction works.

Proposed first stage

Proposed works for Stage 1 of the Southern Memorial Park include approximately 2,500 traditional burial plots, relocation of the horse jumping area, realignment of the equestrian trail, construction of internal roads and a stormwater basin, utility reticulation, development of a works depot including offices and maintenance sheds, landscaping, tree removal, civil works, and other associated infrastructure required to support cemetery operations.

The masterplan and concept designs were released on 14 April 2021 for community feedback. We asked the community to take a look at the masterplan documents and provide their feedback on what elements should be prioritised in the design as well as how we should name the various spaces within the Southern Memorial Park. Consultation closed on 7 June 2021.

More information on the consultation process is available on YourSay Conversations.

Resources

Southern Memorial Park Masterplan Report (PDF 23.3MB)

Appendices:
Appendix A Site Analysis (PDF 37.2MB)
Appendix B Masterplan Review & Alternative Options Development (PDF 16.4MB)
Appendix C Preliminary Site Investigations - Independent Subject Matter Expert Study (PDF 7.2MB)
Appendix D Planning Approval Pathway (PDF 1.1MB)
Appendix E Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PDF 5.2MB)
Appendix F Cultural Heritage Assessments (PDF 39.2MB)
Appendix G Geotech (PDF 12.9MB)
Appendix H Bush Fire (PDF 5.0MB)
Appendix I Technical Reports (PDF 61.2MB)
Appendix J Traffic (PDF 3.3MB)
Appendix K Stakeholder Consultation (PDF 3MB)
Southern Memorial Park Masterplan Overview (PDF 55.1MB) - includes an overview of the first stage of works

Images

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The Southern Memorial Park masterplan will include a range of burial options, a main visitor facility and a crematorium.

Main building

Stay updated

If you’d like to stay updated on this project, bookmark this page or email communityengagement@act.gov.au to be included on any project updates.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.