Landholders across NSW will start to receive their Local Land Services (LLS) rates notices in the mail but this year, there will be a welcome number – zero.
The NSW Government’s Drought Relief Package, announced in 2018, included a special waiver for LLS rates for this year providing welcome relief for drought impacted rural and regional landholders.
Member for Goulburn, Pru Goward said that while rates are a vital source of income for LLS – 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.
“Many landholders in the Goulburn region pay LLS rate each quarter and we hope this measure eases some of the burden our producers are feeling at the moment.
“LLS provides a vital service to our community and I know many landholders have found their service and help during these past 12 months invaluable.
The work supported by rates includes:
supporting landholders to control pests and meet their legal obligations
our vets’ animal health programs
our biosecurity and surveillance programs which limit and prevent pest and disease incursions
supporting agriculture and animals during emergencies
supporting stock identification and traceability systems
managing travelling stock reserves.
Liberal Candidate for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman said the work of biosecurity officers and district vets is essential for the region’s agricultural industry and wider landscape health, particularly when the land itself is struggling to recover from drought.
“The Rates Waiver will still mean that landholders will have access to the technical experts, training and programs to help them manage their land and meet legal obligations,” Ms Tuckerman said.
“Our work in supporting traceability systems such as the national livestock identification system means markets remain confident in our ‘clean and green’ reputation. Additionally, the biosecurity and surveillance programs run by LLS limit and prevent the incursions of pests and diseases.
“The NSW Government is committed to being there for landholders when it matters. We know LLS teams across the state will continue to meet community expectations and deliver a comprehensive service to landholders at this really tough time.”
For more information visit http://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/annual-rates
WENDY TUCKERMAN 