Legacy Plot Reservation Management Program

Council's Legacy Plot Reservation Management Policy provides a clear, respectful and transparent process for managing long-held, unused cemetery plot reservations and interment rights.

A recent review identified approximately 225 unused reserved plots across the Tewantin, Cooroy and Pomona cemeteries. Some of these reservations were made many decades ago, making it unclear whether they are still required by the original reservation holders or their families. 

Frequently asked questions

How the policy works

Under the policy, Council may contact people who purchased a cemetery plot 25 or more years ago(PDF, 99KB), or their descendants, to confirm whether they wish to retain the reservation.

Eligible reservation holders will be provided with a 90-day response period to confirm their intention to keep the plot.

Where a reserved plot is no longer required, it can be voluntarily returned to Council and made available for future community use.

Why the policy is needed

The policy helps Council make better use of existing cemetery land while respecting family history and burial wishes.

This is particularly important at Tewantin Cemetery, which has reached capacity for new traditional burials. Returning unused plots can help create additional burial opportunities for local families.

Protecting reservation holders

The policy includes safeguards to ensure reservation holders and their descendants have the opportunity to retain plots they still require.

Council will also retain a vacant plot at each cemetery to accommodate the rare circumstance where a legitimate claimant comes forward after the notification period has ended.

What happens next?

Council will begin contacting eligible reservation holders and descendants in the coming months.

For more information about the Legacy Plot Reservation Management Policy or cemetery plot reservations, please contact Council's Cemeteries team.