The NSW Government has imposed a new Interment Services Levy, effective from 1 July 2024, for cemetery and crematoria operators in NSW, this includes Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC).
The new levy will fund Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW a regulatory body created in 2014 to regulate and cemeteries and crematoria operates in NSW.
The levy will be:
- Cremation: $41.00 (excluding GST)
- Ash Interment: $63.00 (excluding GST)
- Burial: $156.00 (excluding GST)
While LPSC recognizes the necessity of complying with the NSW Government’s legislation, it is not sustainable to absorb these additional costs within the current operational budget.
To address this situation, LPSC resolved at its August Ordinary Council Meeting to amend the 2024-2025 Fees and Charges to pass on to customers the cost of the new Interment Services Levy.
This adjustment means that the levy will be included in the costs for burial and ash interment services provided by the Council going forward.
"Small regional councils like LPSC have been put in a tough spot," an LPSC spokesperson said.
"This is a blatant cost shifting exercise, and while we would prefer not to increase costs for our community at a vulnerable time, the levy's introduction has unfortunately made it necessary."