Primary producers experiencing financial hardship due to the mouse plague will be able to claim rebates for the control chemical zinc phosphide, as part of a $100 million extension of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Mouse Control Program.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this new funding would offer primary producers a 50 per cent rebate, up to $10,000, to provide financial relief, cash flow and confidence to place advance orders on zinc phosphide ahead of spring.
“When the mouse bait and treated grain programs were announced I said there would be more support to come and today I’m pleased to confirm we will extend the program to include primary producer rebates for zinc phosphide,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Zinc phosphide is already a tax-deductible expense for primary producers and while many are now seeing more promising business activity following the drought, I know the mice plague is stinging the hip pocket, which is why we are providing this rebate.”
NSW Nationals Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said the Government was working with manufacturers to help shore up supplies of zinc phosphide to ensure farmers were prepared to stamp out a possible Spring surge in the mouse population.
“We are working to ensure there will be an appropriate supply of zinc phosphide active ingredient by providing $5 million to assist with the costs of transporting it to Australia,” Mr Marshall said.
“We will make sure zinc phosphide baits produced as part of this arrangement are earmarked for sale to NSW producers first, and we will continue to work to connect manufacturers with Commonwealth support such as the International Freight Assistance Mechanism.”
The Department of Regional NSW and the Rural Assistance Authority will develop the zinc phosphide rebate framework, including how primary producers will be able to claim the rebate and the eligibility criteria.
The $100 million zinc phosphide rebate scheme is on top of a $50 million package announced last month for households and small businesses.
For more information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/mice
