NATURAL BURIALS

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (14:49): Is the Minister for Urban Development and Planning aware of an increasing interest for natural burials and, if so, will he advise the chamber of any progress in meeting the demand for an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional burial in South Australia?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:49): Yes, I am aware of the increased interest in natural burials as an alternative to the traditional lawn cemetery. Natural burial grounds are the fastest growing environmental movement in the United Kingdom. The first woodland burial ground was opened in Carlisle in 1993, and there are now about 200 natural burial grounds throughout the United Kingdom. Burials in these grounds account for about 8 per cent of all burials. Not surprisingly, this trend has moved down south to Australia. In this country, three cemeteries offer natural burial sites: Lismore Memorial Park in New South Wales, Lilydale Cemeteries Trust in Victoria, and the Kingston Cemetery in Tasmania.

I am pleased to inform the honourable member that South Australia is to join that list with the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority setting aside a section of the Enfield Memorial Park in Adelaide's northern suburbs as a natural burial ground. Natural burial involves preparing the body without the use of chemical preservatives and placing it in a shroud, or a biodegradable casket. Although a new concept, the practice is already covered under existing state government legislation. As well as being chemical-free, the grave used in a natural burial is typically marked with a native tree or shrub, rather than a headstone, or monument. This helps to create a natural bush setting compared with traditional lawn cemeteries. Over time, the bushland created by the new burial ground at Enfield cemetery will become a living and lasting natural memorial.

The development of a natural burial ground at Enfield by the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority is also in keeping with the findings of a parliamentary inquiry that recommended that the state government establish a pilot project. The burial area located near the western boundary at the Enfield Memorial Park is to be developed and managed using indigenous plant species consistent with the nearby Folland Park Reserve. Folland Park is one of the few untouched areas of native bushland left on the Adelaide Plains. The establishment of the natural burial ground is to strongly focus on sustaining and conserving the remnant native vegetation growing in and around that important reserve.

The Hon. S.G. Wade interjecting:

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY: The parrot sitting opposite may be an ex parrot; perhaps he is like the one in Monty Python. With members opposite, you really have to repeat things because they are so dense that it takes a long time for it to sink in. Perhaps that is the way the Hon. Mr Wade learns things: if he repeats it often enough, it might sink into his head; even then, he will probably be wasting his time. However, it is nice to know that he understands that this government is actually doing things. Perhaps he might get the message: if you repeat it enough, he might actually come up with an original idea for himself and for his party. They might even be able to go to the people in 15 months with an original policy, but I suspect that is probably asking too much of him.

I think that the trouble for the Hon. Mr Wade is going to be when he adds it up, because he has already spent the entire budgetary surpluses for the next 10 years in his own shadow portfolio. In fact, we had the situation yesterday where his leader had to denounce people such as him for the sort of expenditure they proposed. He had to say, 'No, all bets are off. My shadow ministers have been out there promising so much money, we couldn't possibly afford it, so all bets are off. We can't afford it.' So what this government is announcing, on our script, is things that it can afford—things that it is doing—unlike the sort of rubbish that members opposite are coming up with which they cannot afford, to the extent that their own leader has to denounce them and say, 'Sorry, we can't do it, because my shadow ministers have been too incompetent.'

Recently I inspected the area at the Enfield Memorial Park with the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority Executive, Mr Eric Heapy. This area of the cemetery is tucked away from the main lawned area and there is some native vegetation already growing near the boundary with the Folland Park Reserve. Mr Heapy assures me that he expects South Australia's first natural burial ground to be ready to receive the first interment by December. Perhaps it will be just in time for the political careers of a few of those opposite. The memorial wall is being constructed nearby to allow visitors to know which part of the burial ground has been assigned for the remains of their loved ones. There is also scope for interring remains from cremations in this part of the cemetery.

Without the cost of a casket and stone memorial, this method of burial should offer a low-cost alternative to South Australians, particularly those who are environmentally conscious, and I think that is important. The Adelaide Cemeteries Authority is now working with the funeral industry on a plan to implement this style of burial in South Australia.

The operating terms and conditions for the natural burial areas will be released later this year, after the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority has consulted with the funeral industry. Funeral directors will also be able to let their customers know that such an alternative is now available at the Enfield Cemetery.

The Adelaide Cemeteries Authority is developing a bushland management plan for the area that is set aside at Enfield. This plan will contain the strategy for the excavation of graves based on existing vegetation, a shortlist of native plant species that can be planted on burial sites, and the ongoing management strategy for the area. This first natural burial ground will also enable the authority to gauge interest in this particular style and whether a further area needs to be set aside in South Australia to accommodate demand.

I can add that I have had a significant amount of correspondence from many South Australians and, in particular, I have also received representation from the southern suburbs of Adelaide where, of course, we do not have a major operating cemetery. Following discussions I have had with people, I am also presently looking at some options in the southern suburbs. I think it is important that we cater to this increasing interest in natural burial. As I said, it is an environmentally friendly alternative, and that is why many people are keen to have this option available. This government will do what it can to accommodate those requirements.