Households and small business impacted by the mouse plague across NSW can claim the rebate available through the NSW Government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program by visiting the Service NSW website.
People have spent significant amounts of money on baits, traps and other things to try and combat the plague. I’ve had to do it myself, and I know of people who have gone to extraordinary lengths and costs to keep the vermin at bay.
Eligible customers can make a claim for the household or small business rebate by going to the Service NSW website and uploading their receipts for mouse bait purchases dating back to 1 February 2021.
For further details about the mouse rebate program, including eligibility and the claims process, go to: http://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/mouse-control-support-program
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Last week I backed a move by the NSW government to provide free lifetime pet registration who adopt a rescue pet from council pounds and animal shelters.
This policy reinforces our commitment to encourage prospective pet owners to ‘adopt not shop’ for a cat or dog and provide a forever home for animals who find themselves in pounds or shelters.
I encourage everyone who is thinking about welcoming a cat or dog in their lives to take advantage of this and visit a council pound, animal shelter or approved rehoming organisation to rescue an animal in desperate need of a home.
Last month we also announced continues support to local councils through $5.8 million in companion funding allocated in the 2021-22 financial year.
Pet registration fees go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.
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As many of you will know, I spent 14 days isolating in Sydney after being declared a close contact of Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall, who contracted COVID-19 and thankfully has now recovered.
While some of the restrictions in the Greater Sydney are have been tightened in recent days as positive case numbers increase, the situation in the bush remains the same as it has for the past two-and-a-half-weeks.
If you have been in the Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour), you must follow the stay-at-home rules for 14 days after you left Greater Sydney. Learn more: http://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/greater-sydney/stay-at-home-rules
Masks are mandatory in every indoor setting that isn’t your home, and at any controlled outdoor gathering, and as of July 12 QR code sign-in has become mandatory at every business. This applies everywhere, from my electorate office through to every business in our region.
A 20-person limit applies to gym, dance and yoga classes, and you must wear a face mask. Up to five visitors (including children) may visit another household at any time.
For the full restrictions go to http://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw
Please continue to maintain good hand hygiene, physical distancing, get tested and stay home if sick and sign-in everywhere you go.
Until next week, stay safe
Dugald.