Northern Tablelands MP and Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall, right, with Moree farmer Dan Reardon, who is one of close to 144,000 farmers across NSW who will have their Local Lands Services rates waived again this year due to ongoing drought and bushfires.
Thursday, 23 January 2020
THE State Government will once again waive all Local Land Services (LLS) rates for this year to provide relief for farmers going through devastating bushfires and crippling drought.
Northern Tablelands MP and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said during these difficult times, every little bit of support counted and that waiving LLS rates would help reduce the cost and psychological burden on hard-working farmers.
“My top priority is to make sure farmers are getting the support they need during this difficult period and waiving LLS rates is just one thing we can do to help,” Mr Marshall said.
“For example, a farmer on 2,500 hectares could save at least $3,000 a year by not having to pay their LLS rates, meaning with this year’s waiver, in addition to the 2019 waiver, they will have saved upwards of $6,000 over two years.
“In our region, the average saving is around $4,000 this year.
“Ratepayers will receive their rates notices over the coming days informing them that their rates have been waived again this calendar year.”
Mr Marshall said waiving LLS rates again was just one aspect of the Government’s $3.9 billion drought assistance package, which also includes cost of living pressure relief and subsidies for the transport of fodder.
“While many primary producers in our region have welcomed rain recently, this drought is by no means broken,” Mr Marshall said.
“We are committed to providing our primary producers with the best support possible to see them through the worst drought in living memory.”
To find out more about available assistance measures and eligibility criteria, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub or phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.