Hay has joined other councils in their opposition to the new levy on burials and cremations.

The tax will commence July next year at a rate of $156 per burial, $63 ash interment and $41 cremation.

Hay Shire Council owns three cemeteries for the communities at Hay, Maude and Booligal.

“This is another example of cost shifting by the NSW Government just to fix up their own finances,” Mayor Carol Oataway said.

Another tax has been wacked onto local ratepayers by the State Government.

The Cemetery and Cremation Tax which comes into effect on July 1 is set to hit not only Local Government Councils, but also grieving families.

The State Government has announced it will impose the tax on every burial and cremation carried out, including at council-owned facilities. General Manager, David Webb said the revenue would be used to fund the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of NSW.

“This got wacked onto us and no one knew it was coming,” Mr Webb said.

“It is to run the Association; straight out a money grab by the State Government.”

Hay Shire Council has confirmed its support to the local Rural Fire Service in the face of an inquiry into NSW RFS arrangements with Local Government.

With the bushfire season underway, the upcoming inquiry into the effectiveness of NSW RFS's asset management and operations will be undertaken by a parliamentary committee.