Now the Dubbo councillor wants to make sure people who purchase council-owned burial plots, but then change their minds, can get their money back.

She will look for support from other councillors on Monday when she moves a motion to amend council’s burial sites policy in favour of customers.

Council charges $1060 per plot at the New Dubbo Cemetery.

Cr Reynolds moved on the issue after “a gentleman who was quite ill” approached her with his plight.

The man had already bought a burial site when he had family in Dubbo, but in the years since his circumstances had changed, she said.

“Now all his family has moved and he decided he wanted to be buried near to them,” she said.

That was made difficult when council told the man it did not give refunds, Cr Reynolds said.

The councillor said the man was reimbursed after her intervention, but she does not want the incident repeated.

“He was quite ill and they had enough family stress,” she said.

“People’s lives change.

“They shouldn’t have to beg the council for a refund. This is not right.”

The man also said after his initial unsuccessful approach to council, he had rung a funeral home who had offered him a far-reduced price for the plot, Cr Reynolds said.

People could advertise and sell their plots, but when they were sick it was the last thing they should have to face, she said.

If successful, Cr Reynolds’0 motion would see the purchase price returned to the purchaser and then their “exclusive rights” relinquished.

She will also attempt to have an administration fee attached to any refunds, but would ensure it wasn’t a financial burden.

“It should be a minimal administration fee - I’d be surprised if it cost more than $50,” she said.

Council community services business support manager Jamie Angus told the Daily Liberal in January that the New Dubbo Cemetery had enough grave space for the next 70 to 100 years.

“We get a lot of calls from people wanting multiple plots at New Dubbo Cemetery to ensure family members can be buried together,’’ he said.

“It makes sense to plan ahead. Emotions run high following a bereavement and people don’t need the extra upset of discovering grave space is no longer available next to loved ones.’’