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.
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Northern Tablelands MP and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said every little bit of support counted during these difficult times. Waiving LLS rates would help reduce the cost and psychological burden on hard-working farmers.
"My top priority is to make sure farmers get the support they need during this difficult period. 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. 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 to transport 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.