HUNTER Valley and North Coast residents hit by last week’s bushfires are now exempt from paying government’s waste levy fee on bushfire-generated waste.
The exemption, which applies to Port-Macquarie Hastings Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Mid-Coast Council and the Upper Hunter Shire Council, is in place until March 31.
There are three other council areas in the Natural Disaster Declaration area but they are not subject to the NSW waste levy.
Government said council waste facility gate fees might still apply, and waste facilities would need to ensure the waste was bushfire-generated before they could waive the Government’s waste levy.
“Residents in these areas have a massive clean-up task ahead through no fault of their own - waiving our waste fee will help people to dispose of their bushfire damaged goods quickly and responsibly,” Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said.
“This includes building materials and furniture as well as other bushfire generated waste.”
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant welcomed the announcement.
“The Government is coordinating its approach to bushfire recovery to ensure affected communities can get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Mr Grant said.
Alex Druce
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Politics and rural issues journo in Sydney. Give me a yell at adruce@fairfaxmedia.com.au
