Families relying on the historic Mt Gravatt Cemetery are facing a critical squeeze as land shortages and maintenance disputes threaten the future of one of Brisbane’s only burial grounds catering to diverse cultural needs.
The Strain on Historic Grounds
The 100-year-old facility in Brisbane’s south has become a focal point for a wider crisis gripping Queensland. While the cemetery handles hundreds of burials and cremations annually, it is struggling to keep up with demand. Local leaders and religious groups have raised concerns that space is running out. This is particularly worrying for Muslim and Jewish communities, who require burial for religious reasons. Mt Gravatt is distinct because it offers specific cultural areas that other council-run locations do not.
Dr Iqbal Sultan from Muslim Funeral Services noted that the shortage of land is becoming an urgent problem. He pointed out that while other countries often reuse graves after a few years to save space, plots in Queensland are generally locked away for at least 50 years. He suggested that deep graves allowing for multiple burials could be an option, but this comes with safety risks for workers who have to enter the ground.
Operational Struggles and Community Outcry
Beyond the lack of space, the way the cemetery is managed has drawn sharp criticism from the public. Over the past three years, complaints have increased regarding the condition of graves. The situation reached a breaking point when families reported their loved ones’ graves were flooded. This was linked to a practice called “spiking,” where water is injected into the ground to settle the soil.
The Brisbane City Council explained that spiking was a standard procedure meant to stop the ground from sinking later on. However, following the backlash from traumatised families, the council paused the practice. A six-month review was launched to look into these burial methods. Community members have called for better training for groundskeepers and more consultation to ensure the site is treated with respect.
A State-Wide Burial Boom
The issues at Mt Gravatt reflect a much larger problem across the state. Queensland councils have warned that the state could run out of room to bury its dead within the next decade. Unlike other states that have specific laws for cemeteries, Queensland relies on local councils to manage these facilities. The Local Government Association of Queensland highlighted that without a state-wide plan, councils are left dealing with expensive land acquisition and the “forever” cost of maintaining old gravesites.
In regions like Gladstone and Rockhampton, the pressure is just as high. Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett mentioned that cemeteries take up land that can never be used for anything else. His council even had to pause plot reservations temporarily because holding empty land was becoming too costly for the community.
Searching for Sustainable Solutions
With land becoming scarce and expensive, experts and commentators are debating the best way forward. Some voices in the media, like Jason Matthews, have suggested that the government needs to encourage cremation as a cheaper and more flexible alternative. However, cremation is not an option for everyone due to personal or religious beliefs.
Researchers have pointed out that in places like Victoria or South Australia, different rules apply, such as renewable tenure where graves are reused after a set period. While this helps save space, it remains a controversial topic for many families. For now, the focus remains on fixing the immediate problems at Mt Gravatt, ensuring families have a place to grieve without the added stress of overcrowding or poor maintenance.
Published Date 19-December-2025
