The families are pleased with the government's concept plan for the re-entry into the Pike River mine.

Andrew Little has met with the victims families to brief them.

The Minister for Pike River re-entry says the concept plan provides three potential options for accessing the drift but further work still needs to be done on the detail.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn says the reconnaissance down that drift will give the families the closure they are looking for.

He says it is yet to be seen whether they will get the miners remains back.

"There is some talk of extra dollars having to go in, which is unfortunate because the bill is getting quite high now, but at least the government is committed and the families will get closure by next march."