Wednesday, 19 September 2018
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has welcomed news that farmers across the region will get more cash back in their pockets with rebates and refunds on heavy vehicle registration after the NSW Government changed the way registration charges were calculated for primary producers.
“The changes will come into effect from 1 November 2018,” Mr Marshall said.
“I don’t want to see anyone pay more than they should for essential costs such as vehicle registration, especially farmers in rural and regional NSW who are doing it tough right now.
“The registration rebate will apply to all renewals for the next two years, from 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2020. For producers who register their vehicles between 1 July and 1 November this year, the amount will be refunded.”
Mr Marshall said in a boost for farmers, the NSW Government would provide partial refunds on previous heavy vehicles registration charges going back over three years, saving primary producers an average of $2,094 each.
“Farmers will also receive free registration over the next two years for their heavy vehicles,” Mr Marshall said.
“Governments don’t always have the answers but when we see a good solution we have a responsibility to act and that is exactly what we have done here.”
These changes come at a crucial time for farmers in regional NSW, and compliment the NSW Government’s more than $1 billion in drought support, which includes waiving class one agricultural vehicle registration costs.
“In recognition of what they do and what they go through, we have always given our farmers a 55 per cent reduction in their registration expenses, saving them an average of $1,259 per heavy vehicle,” Mr Marshall said.
Roads Minister Mel Pavey said it had come to her attention that farmers were eligible for an even greater discount.
“The response was simple, let’s give the money back,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Further to the refund announced, and as a result of the drought conditions, primary producers will also receive a registration rebate on their heavy vehicles for the next two years.”
Mr Marshall said for farmers struggling right now the refunds would be important to give them some cash flow. Many are feeding stock and water is becoming more expensive, with freight costs quickly piling up.
“I know what farmers really need is rain, but this initiative goes that little bit further to ease the situation they find themselves in,” Mr Marshall said.
Farmers will still have to pay for Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, personalised plates and relevant vehicle checks, for the safety of all road users.
Affected farmers will be contacted by Roads and Maritime Services from 1 November with the refund amounts.
Further information is available www.rms.nsw.gov.au/primary-producer-hv-rego