It would be used to hold a funeral service, after service functions and will have a garden where people would be able to spread the deceased’s ashes.

A design will be developed and be submitted to the council.

Assessment manager Blake O’Mullane said once and if the design was successfully approved the council would seek expressions of interest for an operator and constructor.

Most people have had to use an Inverell or Gunnedah service as Moree nor Narrabri have a crematorium.

Councillor Claudia Gall said there was a community need for the facility as it was costly to go elsewhere.

“We have done a small survey and about 50 per cent of residents were happy to be cremated and would be more satisfied with that option if there was not an enormous cost factor,” Cr Gall said.

“There has been talk of the potential over the years and this multifunction centre would make the project feasible,” Mr O’Mullane said.

Cr Gall said there was a second benefit to the development.

“We need to be proactive and mindful to how little space is left at the burial facility and there is limited land left,” she said.

The development application will be lodged in the upcoming month.