The motion presented at the April meeting was that Council not proceed. An amendment was put by councillors Esme Martens and Percy Thompson that Council do further investigation and an inspection of the current cemetery site and apply for grant funding.

The amendment was lost with the motion carried 7-2.

In May 2018 Council resolved that staff prepare a cost estimate for the proposal, particularly looking at the difficulty of supplying water to the site. The report by the Director Community found; connecting a water main would cost approximately $380,000 - $400,000; with internal irrigation costings of $20,000; to re-chlorinate to make the water potable, it is estimated that approximately $50,000 will be added; bringing the cost of supplying water to approximately $450,000.

Furthermore, additional site preparation would be required; $25,000 for kerbing (two rows); $7,000 for turf; and $3,000 for earthworks. Bringing the total estimated cost of the initial construction to around $485,000, before adding ongoing water costs and maintenance.

Speaking for the motion, Cr Peter Shelley said "it's on the bottom of the list of priorities for Rylstone and Kandos".

"A lawn cemetery would be a great thing to have, if we had the money and if there wasn't a thousand other things that need to be done," he said. "And there's no way that I could ever support the sort of money that they're looking at - which is $450,000 - to get water there, that money could be spent on; kerb and guttering; roads; before and after school care; thousands of other things."

Cr Martens, speaking for the amendment, suggested applying for a grant to fund the project. However, Mayor Des Kennedy responded "if we get a grant, all well and good", but "I'm mindful that you can ask for too much too often, it can sour the blokes writing cheques".

Cr Russell Holden sought clarification that "all options had been explored" in terms of supplying water to the site, which was confirmed.