RATE RELIEF EXTENDED FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

The NSW Government today announced it will fund a full year of council rate relief for owners of homes, farms and businesses lost in the bushfire crisis.

Deputy Premier and the Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the Government is extending council rate relief for eligible property owners affected by the bushfires to help them recover and rebuild their lives and businesses.

Council rate relief already paid out covers rates notices for Quarter 3 (January – March) and Quarter 4 (April – June) for 2019-20. The six-month extension will cover rates notices for Quarter 1 (July – September) and Quarter 2 (October – December) of 2020-21.

The relief package covers the land rates component and fixed service charges, such as waste, sewerage and water, where the amount is included on the council rates notice. Water charges are paid where it is a council-owned water utility. Any eligible ratepayer who has already paid their rates will receive an automatic credit against their account or can speak with their council regarding a refund.

The NSW Government recently announced its unprecedented bushfire support has hit $2.3 billion in funding, with 2,500 destroyed properties cleared so far, at zero cost to property owners. Bushfire recovery funding from the Government has been distributed through grants, temporary accommodation, clean-up and industry support.