Households and small businesses affected by the mouse plague across regional NSW can now claim rebates through the Service NSW website as part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said eligible households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1000 to help meet the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after February 1 this year.
“These rodents haven’t just impacted farmers and crops, they have also been a scourge on homes and businesses right across the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Fighting this plague has come at a financial cost and this rebate is putting money back in the pockets of hard-working families and business owners.
“Claiming rebates is simple but you can only claim once, so I encourage residents and small business owners who have spent close to the maximum amount available to visit the Service NSW website today.”
NSW Nationals Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said primary producers who lived where they worked could claim a single rebate of up to $1000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises.
“Farmers know how to protect their crops and are well prepared to meet a potential mouse surge as we draw closer to the spring harvest and this rebate will help them to also safeguard their homes,” Mr Marshall said.
“By the end of the month, primary producers will also be able to claim a 50 per cent rebate on purchases of zinc phosphide-based bait, to a maximum of $10,000 through the Rural Assistance Authority.”
Eligible customers can make a claim for the household or small business rebate via the Service NSW website, where they can upload receipts for mouse bait, trap and cleaning purchases dating back to February 1.
Customers wanting to claim the rebate by calling the Service NSW hotline should expect longer than usual call waiting times due to the current COVID-19 situation.
For further details about the mouse rebate program, including eligibility and the claims process, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mice.
