Hunter ratepayers will be given a reprieve from their annual Local Land Services rate payments in the wake of the recent flooding, Hunter Local Land Services General Manager Brett Miners announced today.
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Following a decision by the Board of Hunter Local Land Services, ratepayers in Local Government Areas declared as natural disasters will be given an extension for payment of their rates this year following the recent flooding.
‘The Board of Hunter Local Land Services recognises the significant hardship people will face as a result of storms and floods,’ Mr Miners said.
‘We are therefore offering affected ratepayers the opportunity to defer payment of their rates by three months, giving them four months in total to make the payment.’
Local Land Services began issuing rates for all regions across the state, including the Hunter, earlier this month. Automated systems are used to calculate rates and trigger their printing and posting.
‘Unfortunately, issuing of rates notices for landholders in the Hunter region was already underway at the time the recently extreme weather hit the region,’ explained Mr Miners.
Ratepayers in the Hunter region received their rates via postal mail last week.
The Hunter rates notices will reflect a due date of 27 May 2015. However for those ratepayers in natural disaster declared Local Government Areas, rates will now be due on 27 August 2015.
‘Payment plans are available for all ratepayers, and may be a preferred option for those flood- affected ratepayers. People can contact Hunter Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 to talk through these options,’ Mr Miners said.
‘We are committed to helping those affected landholders get back on their feet as soon as possible and are working to assist them as much as we can,’ Mr Miners said.
A natural disaster declaration is in place for Cessnock, Dungog, Gosford, Great Lakes, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Newcastle City, Port Stephens and Singleton Local Government Areas.
Landholders requiring assistance or advice with the disposal of dead livestock, storm damage assessments or animal health and feed options should contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries Hotline on 1800 814 647.
The Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) Natural Disaster Relief Scheme can assist primary producers and small business operators affected by flooding. For information about what support is available, contact the RAA on 1800 678 593.
