Plot buried pig: More than 100 pigs will be part of a scientific study at Rookwood Cemetery. Credit:Australian Museum

"The sustainability of cemeteries everywhere is a major issue right now," said George Simpson, chief executive of the Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust. "This is a real watershed if we can get it right. It would revolutionise the entire industry the world over."

Until details were leaked to Fairfax Media last week, the independent study had progressed, in secret, for three years. While Mr Simpson acknowledged it might trigger some outcry, he said the interment industry had been forced to confront similar issues before. "If you go back to the 1950s and 1960s when cremation first became popular, there was an element of people who were for it and against it. It's the nature of the industry," he said, adding: "We are aware of that. But we also can't lose sight of the fact that we need to look at innovative new ways of providing space for generations after us."

When the State Government released the last parcel of land at the 280 hectare Rookwood Cemetery in 2013, it was divided between the Muslim and Jewish communities on the understanding there was no more left to give. Under Islamic tradition, it is strictly forbidden to lay a second body in a grave until the first has completely transformed. Additionally, Rookwood is severely hampered by a clay based soil composition that slows the decaying process.

According to Mr Simpson, "those communities from the Middle Eastern area have been encouraging us to come up with ways to accelerate that process."