Landholders across NSW will soon receive their Local Land Services rates notices in the mail but this year, there will be a welcome number – a zero.
The NSW Government’s Drought Relief Package, announced in 2018, included relief for Local Land Services rates for this year (along with some other charges), providing welcome assistance for drought impacted rural and regional landholders.
Central West general manager Andrew Mulligan said that while rates are a vital source of income for Local Land Services, supporting the organisation’s biosecurity, emergency response and animal health work across NSW, it is important at this time to provide full support to landholders who are focusing on getting back on their feet following one of the worst droughts on record.
“Rates are an essential part of a secure and productive landscape and the Local Land Services team is committed to continuing to provide our essential services to the communities that we operate in, particularly under the recent drought conditions,” Mr Mulligan said.
The work supported by rates includes: pest control; animal health programs; biosecurity and surveillance programs and supporting agriculture and animals during emergencies.
The Local Land Services also assist in administering drought support packages and coordinate and conduct relevant drought workshops with guest speakers, including rural support workers and rural financial counsellors.
Visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au or contact your local office to find out what events and programs are available.