Melbourne General Cemetery to become a green Sanctuary through new partnership

The Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) is collaborating with the City of Melbourne on its ambitious environmental initiative Project Cultivate.

The project is aimed at transforming more than half of Melbourne General Cemetery into a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.

With support from the Melbourne Urban Forest Fund, this project will enhance biodiversity and contribute significantly to the city’s green spaces.

The City of Melbourne has committed $500,000 in matched funding to Project Cultivate, which will see more than 245,000 native grassland plants sown across 23.42 acres of cemetery land.

This initiative is expected to create a cooling effect, lowering ambient air temperature by 3°C, reduce herbicide use by 70 per cent, and has already led to a visible increase in biodiversity, attracting beneficial insects and birds.

“Each plant sown is a step towards a greener and more sustainable version of Melbourne General Cemetery,” SMCT Chair Dr Vanda Fortunato said.

SMCT’s horticultural assets manager Helen Tuton also highlighted the importance of the initiative in supporting local ecosystems.

This is biodiversity and sustainability in action … regenerating some of Victoria’s grassland habitats is incredibly exciting.

The project, launched in early 2023, involves planting indigenous species that complement the cemetery’s monuments, pathways, and facilities.

By mid-2025, once Phase 1C is completed, more than half of the cemetery will be transformed into a flourishing green space, making it not just a resting place, but a destination for visitors to enjoy nature.

“This initiative not only enhances our environment but also creates welcoming spaces for the community and visitors to explore,” City of Melbourne CEO Alison Leighton said.

To celebrate, SMCT and Planet Ark hosted a Community Planting Day on Saturday, October 12, inviting locals to participate in this green transformation.