FARMERS in New South Wales can now apply for mouse bait rebates of up to $10,000 per farm business through the Rural Assistance Authority website.

Applications for the rebate opened today with a total of $95 million available to assist farmers with the costs of zinc phosphide baiting programs.

NSW Farmers vice president and Liverpool Plains farmer Xavier Martin said claims could be made retrospectively for bait costs incurred back to 1 February 2021.

“Like many farmers across the state, our family has spent a small fortune on zinc phosphide baits to combat the mouse plague,” Mr Martin said.

“The good news is that applications are now finally open for the State Government’s zinc phosphide baiting program and I would encourage farmers to get in early to secure the rebate.

“This is an opportunity to prepare for Spring when mice populations are predicted to swell.

“NSW Farmers thanks the NSW Government for this practical support measure. NSW Farmers advocated tirelessly for this financial support over many months, resulting in $150 million worth of mouse plague support packages announced by the NSW Government.”

Mr Martin said the support recognised the immense impact the plague had had on so many farm businesses already.

“I have heard some really horrendous stories about the impact of this mouse plague and the costs involved in trying to save crops and fodder has been significant,” he said.

Mr Martin said the situation was ongoing and would require constant monitoring and flexibility in support measures for what could become the worst mouse plague NSW has seen.

“We look forward to working with government on behalf of our members and regional communities to hopefully ensure this plague is well under control before spring,” he said.

Source: NSW Farmers

NSW Rural Assistance Authority will administer the rebate program.  For more information about the zinc phosphide rebate program visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au. For information about household and small business rebates visit www.nsw.gov.au/mice