RICHMOND Valley Mayor Robert Mustow has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of rate relief for flood-affected residents.
Under the program, eligible ratepayers will have their residential, commercial and farm rates for the upcoming 2022/23 financial year covered by the NSW Government.
“Council wrote to the Premier in March, seeking rate relief for our community,” Cr Mustow said. “I’m pleased to see that the NSW Government has listened to local councils and provided this much needed funding.
“The payment will be a welcome relief for those who have been doing it tough after this unprecedented disaster.”
This rate relief comes in addition to Richmond Valley Council waiving interest on overdue rates in March to recognise the flood event’s impact on all ratepayers.
Cr Mustow said the relief for ratepayers was just part of Council’s advocacy for flood-affected communities
“We have recently made a submission to the NSW Flood Inquiry highlighting the concerns raised by our community and we continue to work closely with government agencies to ensure that much needed temporary housing is provided for the Mid-Richmond,” he said.
The rate relief will apply to any ratepayer who had made a successful claim through Service NSW, or had their property assessed by the SES as directly damaged from the flood and storm events.
The assistance only applies to general rates for the 2022/2023 financial year and does not include water/sewer and waste charges.
Service NSW will administer the program and eligible ratepayers will receive the relief automatically and do not have to contact Council to apply. Correspondence will come from the government in the coming weeks to confirm eligibility.
Council’s General Manager Vaughan Macdonald thanked the NSW Government for listening to Councils as we all deal with the impacts of the flood disaster.
“I’m pleased the NSW Government has listened to Councils who have been pushing hard for this support for our communities,” he said.
“Council also has financial hardship arrangements available for all ratepayers who may be facing challenges in paying their rates, water and sewer charges on time.”
Those who believe they are eligible and do not receive relief should apply to the Flood Property Assessment Program administered by Service NSW at https://www.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-support/property-assessment-faqs#toc-what-is-the-flood-property-assessment-program.