Support for households impacted by the ongoing mouse plague is now available, with a $50 million assistance package announced today.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the measures which will include rebates to meet the cost of purchasing baits and free grain treatment for impacted farmers.
“I know there are many households and businesses across regional NSW whose daily lives, mental and physical health is being impacted by the large numbers of these pests,” Ms Cooke said.
“I am so pleased this support has been announced which will mean households can apply for rebates for purchasing baits of up to $500 and small businesses will be eligible to claim up to $1,000 through Service NSW.”
“The Deputy Premier has also announced today he will be forming an advisory committee to ensure everyone has access to expert advice, including the latest hot spots, health and food safety advice, information for vets and guidance for keeping children and animals safe.”
What’s available:
- $500 rebates for eligible households
- $1,000 rebates for eligible small businesses
- Free mice bait (grain treatment) for farmers
- NSW Government will rapidly move to seek the necessary approvals from the Commonwealth’s APVMA for the use of bromadiolone in NSW
- Expanded workshops to educate farmers on the best eradication strategies
- A moonshot research project to identify and potentially develop a new mice-killing agent
On-farm mouse management workshops which will bring NSW DPI, Local Land Services (LLS), the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), CSIRO and community groups to those affected are also happening around the region:
- Junee, 18 May, 11:30am-1:30pm, Ex-Services Memorial Club
- Young, 18 May, 5-7pm, Young Services Club
- Lake Cargelligo, 19 May, 5:30-7:30pm, Lake Cargelligo Boat Club
- West Wyalong, 21 May, 11:30am-1:30pm, West Wyalong Services Club
Landholders can find more information and tickets free of charge via the NSW DPI website, www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/mice.
For the latest information about the mice plague, including information about eligibility, how rebates will be able to be claimed as well as health advice, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mice