Grieving families will no longer be charged $315 to bury their babies and neonates at any of the seven cemeteries operated by Wattle Range Council.

The long-running levy has been removed by a unanimous vote at the June monthly council meeting.

The motion was successfully moved by retired senior health bureaucrat and first-term councillor David Walshaw.

When examining the 2023/24 draft budget, Cr Walshaw noticed the scale of charges included a substantial fee for the burial of babies and neonates.

It is the first time he has taken part in the budget-setting process as he was elected to Corcoran ward only last November.

Cr Walshaw said the removal of the $315 burial fee would have little impact on the council’s anticipated annual budget of $32m.

“Wattle Range Council should take every opportunity to show empathy and compassion to families at this difficult time,” Cr Walshaw said.

“As someone who has worked in the public health sector for more than 20 years, I have seen first-hand what grief and loss can do to families.

“I thank my fellow councillors for their support on this matter.”