Farmers battling the devastating mouse plague will be able to claim up to $10,000 from the NSW Government in a $100 million extension of the Mouse Control Program.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said primary producers experiencing financial hardship as a result of the plague will soon be able to apply for rebates for the purchase of the critical control chemical zinc phosphide.
“This new funding will offer primary producers across the state’s west financial relief by providing a rebate of 50 per cent on zinc phosphide purchases, up to $10,000, to help cash flow and confidence to place advance orders on zinc phosphide ahead of spring,” Mr Saunders said.
“Communities in the Dubbo electorate have done it tough off the back of drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19 – the last thing we needed was these vermin terrorising us in our sleep and destroying crops.
“These rebates are part of our commitment to supporting our agriculture sector which gives so much to this state.”
Mr Saunders said the NSW Government is working to ensure there will be a supply of zinc phosphide active ingredient by investing $5 million to assist with the costs of transporting it to Australia. The Government will also make sure any baits produced with zinc phosphide are earmarked for sale to NSW producers first, and will continue to connect manufacturers with Commonwealth support such as the International Freight Assistance Mechanism.
“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,” he said.
“We’re committed to ensuring the region’s farmers are prepared to stamp out a possible spring surge in the mouse population.”
The Department of Regional NSW will work with industry stakeholders, like NSW Farmers, to develop the zinc phosphide rebate framework, including how primary producers will be able to claim the rebate and the eligibility criteria.
The $100 million primary producer zinc phosphide rebate scheme is in addition to the $50 million package designed for households and small businesses announced last month.
Grain treatment with bromadiolone for perimeter baiting is awaiting approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/mice
Dugald the help for farmers re baits very welcome and much appreciated. I am not ungrateful but would the government consider the type of costs that regular property insurances will not cover. Ie wiring damage to machinery, motor vehicles, anything electrical ****ed by mice ?