Farmers on the front line of the mouse plague will find government support more accessible thanks to the work of NSW Farmers.
NSW Farmers Vice President Xavier Martin said the Rural Assistance Authority are working with individual primary producers to demonstrate their eligibility and had developed a new form involving bait suppliers and agronomists for people who had trouble applying.
"This is great news and it comes after some serious lobbying from NSW Farmers," Mr Martin said.
"I want to thank the RAA for their work in getting this support to where it's needed the most, and for working with us to make sure people don't miss out on a technicality.
"NSW Farmers is committed to making sure as many eligible producers as possible can access these funds to get on top of the mouse plague so we can reduce the risk to harvest season."
Earlier this year NSW Farmers secured a $150 million package from the NSW Government after intense lobbying, with estimates the mouse plague would chew a billion-dollar hole in the farmgate value of winter crops. A NSW Farmers survey found a third of respondents estimated losses between $50,000 and $150,000, with a loss of stored grain and fodder having the greatest financial impact.
"We worked hard to secure this funding from the state government, and I would encourage anyone who's had trouble in the past to reach out to the RAA and try again," Mr Martin said.
"I don't want anyone to self-assess or not take up this support because they think it's too hard - NSW Farmers has been talking to primary producers about the challenges and we're thankful the RAA has listened to us.
"With another boom in mouse numbers on the way, it's vital we get on top of the problem now."
Anyone who has problems after calling the RAA should contact NSW Farmers' Members Services on 1300 794 000.
The Zinc Phosphide Rebate for Primary Producers program involves a one-off rebate to assist primary producers in eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) experiencing financial hardship due to the mouse plague.
For the latest information from the NSW Government on the mouse plague, including how to claim the household and small business rebate, head to www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/nsw-mouse-control-rebate.
