Households and small businesses impacted by the mouse plague across regional NSW can now claim rebates as part of the NSW Government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program by visiting the Service NSW website.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said eligible households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after 1 February 2021.
“These rodents haven’t just impacted farmers and crops, they have also been a scourge on homes and businesses right across the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Fighting this plague has come at a financial cost and this rebate is putting money back in the pockets of hard-working families and business owners.
“Claiming rebates is simple but you can only claim once, so I encourage residents and small business owners who have spent close to the maximum amount available to visit the Service NSW website today.”
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said primary producers who lived where theyworked could claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises.
“Farmers know how to protect their crops and are well prepared to meet a potential mouse surge as we draw closer to the spring harvest and this rebate will help them to also safeguard their homes,” Mr Marshall said.
“By the end of the month, primary producers will also be able to claim a 50 per cent rebate on purchases of zinc phosphide based bait, to a maximum of $10,000, through the Rural Assistance Authority.”
Eligible customers can make a claim for the household or small business rebate via the Service NSW website, where they can upload receipts for mouse bait, trap and cleaning purchases dating back to 1 February 2021.
Customers wanting to claim the rebate by calling the Service NSW hotline should expect longer than usual call waiting times, due to the current COVID-19 situation. For further details about the mouse rebate program, including eligibility and the claims process, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mice.