The rapidly diminishing number of available burial plots in NSW has prompted an overhaul of the long-troubled cemetery sector.
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Incoming Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper announced the shakeup, saying he's determined to provide a fresh start for the industry and reassure people continued access to quality burial services in Sydney.
"For two years this process has been marred by procrastination and infighting, while the supply of available gravesites dwindled to alarming levels," he said.
It comes after the Berejiklian government in 2021 announced five of the major operators would merge into one, after a review found they were on the brink of financial collapse.
The operators, who run cemeteries on Crown Land, Northern Metropolitan Cemeteries, Rookwood General Cemeteries, Rookwood Necropolis and Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries, held collective debts of more than $300 million.
They were also quickly running out of burial space.
The then government decided to amalgamate the five operators into a single entity named OneCrown, appointing Lee Shearer as administrator.
The minister says little has been achieved in that time, and he plans to get the sector back on track by publicly releasing an independent report into OneCrown.
There will also be an audit carried out into the lack of cemetery space in Sydney, while decisions will be made regarding OneCrown's future roadmap.
The role of administrator of OneCrown will also be readvertised in the hopes of securing the "best available candidate".
"We're looking for someone with commercial acumen and solid experience in people leadership, governance, financial and risk management to help us take the sector forward," Mr Kamper said.
Ms Shearer has been encouraged to reapply for the role, he said.
Australian Associated Press
