NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall, Media Release, 17 March 2021

The NSW Government has provided another $50 million in relief to the State’s farmers who are still feeling the effects of drought by waiving Local Land Services (LLS) rates for the third year, Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced today.

Mr Marshall said the NSW Government was conscious that while many farmers are experiencing bumper seasons, drought recovery is an ongoing process.

“While much of the State has received widespread and welcomed rain, the drought is not over. Its effects will be felt for many years to come and so continued support like this is critical for recovery efforts,” Mr Marshall said.

“Our primary producers have shown unparalleled resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges, and waiving LLS rates is just one thing we can do to help them.

“The NSW Government has now waived LLS rates for the last three years running.

“This means farmers across the State would be able to collectively save $50 million in rates to capitalise on the best seasonal conditions seen in many years, pay down debt, invest in new equipment and ensure they are well prepared for whatever comes next.

“This is $150 million in fixed overheads over the last three years that the NSW Government has wiped clean for our farmers.”

Mr Marshall said that while rates would return to normal next year, relief over the last three years had provided critical support for farmers.

“Ratepayers will receive their notices over the coming weeks, informing them that their rates have once again been waived this calendar year,” Mr Marshall said.

The NSW Government has provided more than $4 billion in drought and water infrastructure support to farmers.

For more information on available assistance measures and eligibility criteria, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub or phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.