Rates relief to support NSW flood victims

The funding is available for 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, and will have their 2022/23 rates waived.

The NSW government 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.

The 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.

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have committed more than $3.5 billion for the clean-up and recovery effort, including a $120 million Local Council Support Package.

The NSW government will contact eligible ratepayers in the affected LGAs to inform them it will be paying their rates for next year on their behalf.

The funding will be provided through Service 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.