Rate Relief has been discussed, debated and finally confirmed today for flood-affected property owners in the NR's. A move that will alleviate some financial stress from people's lives for twelve months.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole announced the $40 million NSW Government funding package at the new Pop-up location at Harold Frederick car park.

Mr Toole said ratepayers in any of the seven Northern Rivers Local Government Areas (LGAs) who made a successful claim through Service NSW, or whose property has been assessed as damaged, will have their 2022/23 rates waived.

“Northern Rivers residents have been to hell and back, and receiving a rates notice for a home or business they still can barely access is the absolute last thing they need,” Mr Toole said.

“This rates relief is one less thing they need to worry about as they continue to rebuild their lives – and we’ll continue to stand by their side on that journey in the months and years ahead.”

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the scheme would support flood-affected ratepayers in seven of the State’s most severely impacted LGAs of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed and explained who the scheme affects.

“This program will cover the residential, commercial and farm rates of eligible ratepayers for one year, helping them as they get back on their feet, and easing the pressure on councils.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said, “This is great news for our community. The waiving of rates has been my top priority since our community was devastated by the worst flood in recorded history on 28 February."

“I can not remember the number of phone calls and meetings the General Manager and I had with State Government ministers, including the Premier, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Local Government Minister or how many doors the two of us knocked on during visits to Parliament House in Sydney.

“Personally, I found it upsetting and unconscionable that as a Council we were legally required to levy rates on homes that have been unliveable since the disaster.

“I would like to thank the State Government for acting on this and allowing us to waive general rates on affected homes, businesses and farms for the 2022/23 financial year.

“We estimate just about 3000 residents will be eligible, slightly under 400 farms and roughly 1230 businesses.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said, “The funding will be provided through NSW and the payments will be made directly to councils to ensure eligible ratepayers receive the relief automatically without having to worry about red tape.”

It will apply to any ratepayer who has made a successful claim through Service NSW, or whose property has been assessed as damaged and will apply from 1 July, 2022. It cannot be paid retrospectively so the period from the February 28 flood to 30 June will need to be paid. People can still apply to their local council through their Hardship Policy and ask for their rates to be waived.