Meanwhile, in Gundagai the fee is expected to rise by 20 per cent.

Councillors voted to change the prices during their June meeting.

Once GST has been factored in the cost of burial for an adult will be $4408 in Cootamundra and $3862 in Gundagai.

Mayor Abb McAlister said some of the difference in costs were due to Cootamundra allowing reservations for family members.

“It’s meant council had to maintain a lot more land. We don’t have reservations in Gundagai,” Councillor McAlister said.

Cr McAlister said for couples wanting to be buried together, graves were dug a little deeper and family members were laid on top of each other.

He said adjusting the cost of burial was a compromise to even the costs at the cemeteries.

Council’s vote on Tuesday will review the policy of reserving plots in Cootamundra’s cemetery.

“We’re going to discuss it in September. It could be there’s no new reservations,” he said.

A motion by Councillor Charlie Sheahan will examine alternative access to the cemetery.

The only road in is off the rail overpass on the Olympic Highway.

“It’s a very good idea. It’s extremely dangerous to get there,” Cr McAlister said.

Cr Sheahan said getting to the cemetery was difficult and a need for improved access had been identified during the forced amalgamation.

Council owns land between Bradman Street and the cemetery and Cr Sheahan said a road less than 300 metres long could be built.

“There should be a feasibility study because if Roads and Maritime Services decides to overhaul the overpass, we’d like to get in on the ground floor,” he said.

“It’s about making sure council is shovel ready.”