Thousands of ratepayers whose properties were damaged in this year’s devastating floods will receive rates relief, thanks to a $40 million NSW Government funding package.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said ratepayers in any of the seven Northern Rivers Local Government Areas (LGAs) who made a successful claim through Service NSW, or whose property has been assessed as damaged, will have their 2022/23 rates waived.
“Northern Rivers residents have been to hell and back, and receiving a rates notice for a home or business they still can barely access is the absolute last thing they need,” Mr Toole said.
“This rates relief is one less thing they need to worry about as they continue to rebuild their lives – and we’ll continue to stand by their side on that journey in the months and years ahead.”
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the NSW Government scheme would support flood-affected ratepayers in seven of the State’s most severely impacted LGAs of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
“The unprecedented flooding has had a disastrous impact on homes, farms and business premises, particularly in the Northern Rivers, and many people from that region are still doing it tough,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“This program will cover the residential, commercial and farm rates of eligible ratepayers for one year, helping them as they get back on their feet, and easing the pressure on councils.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the NSW and Commonwealth governments have committed more than $3.5 billion for the clean-up and recovery effort, including a $120 million Local Council Support Package.
“The NSW Government will contact eligible ratepayers in the affected LGAs to inform them it will be paying their rates for next year on their behalf,” Ms Cooke said.
“The funding will be provided through Service NSW and the payments will be made directly to councils to ensure eligible ratepayers receive the relief automatically, without having to worry about red tape.”
