Wednesday, 5 February 2020
A STATE Government decision to pay six months of council rates for every bushfire victim who lost their home or small business has been warmly welcomed today by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall.
“People who lost their homes in the recent fires in will not have to pay rates on their property for the next two quarters,” Mr Marshall said.
“Receiving a rates bill in the mail from your local council is the last thing people, who have lost their homes and possessions, need at the moment.
“They need financial stress and burden lifted, which is why the State Government is doing everything to ease the pressure by funding council rates and picking up the bill for the clean-up, at no cost to owners, whether they are insured or not.”
Mr Marshall said this latest form of assistance was another relief to the community and another way the government was doing its bit to help local communities recover and rebuild from the devastating bushfires.
“Our community, our emergency services, our volunteers and our farmers have been outstanding throughout the fires and we need to be as vigilant in recovery as they are in the face of disaster,” he said.
“We’ve just seen the rebuilding of Wytaliba Public School and the large-scale clean-up of homes will begin in the next few weeks.
“Also, the Australian Defence Force is now helping Glen Innes Severn Council with the construction of a temporary bridge to allow all-weather access in and out of the Wytaliba village.”
The State Government will cover the full cost of council rates for the third and fourth quarters of this financial year for residents and farmers who have lost their homes, and business owners whose properties have been destroyed beyond repair by bushfires.
Affected residents that have lost their homes and small businesses will soon be able to take their council rates notice to a Service NSW Centre and the government will cover the cost. Anyone who has already paid their rates will receive a full refund.
Anyone needing bushfire assistance is encouraged to call 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au