The NSW government will extend its Mouse Control Program, allowing primary producers experiencing financial hardship due to the mice plague to claim rebates and purchase mouse control chemical, zinc phosphide.
This new funding will offer primary producers a 50 per cent rebate on zinc phosphide purchases, up to $10,000, to provide financial relief and cash flow to the industry.
“When the mouse bait and treated grain programs were announced, I said there would be more support to come and today I’m pleased to confirm we will extend the program to include primary producer rebates for zinc phosphide,” deputy premier John Barilaro said.
“Zinc phosphide is already a tax-deductible expense for primary producers and while many are now seeing more promising business activity following the drought, I know the mice plague is stinging the hip pocket, which is why we are providing this rebate.”
The NSW government is working with manufacturers to increase supplies of zinc phosphide ahead of Spring, minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said.
“We are working to ensure there will be an appropriate supply of zinc phosphide active ingredient by providing $5 million to assist with the costs of transporting it to Australia,” Marshall said.
“We will make sure zinc phosphide baits produced as part of this arrangement are earmarked for sale to NSW producers first, and we will continue to work to connect manufacturers with Commonwealth support, such as the International Freight Assistance Mechanism.”
The Department of Regional NSW and the Rural Assistance Authority will develop the zinc phosphide rebate framework, including how primary producers will be able to claim the rebate and the eligibility criteria.
The $100M primary producer zinc phosphide rebate scheme is in addition to the $50M package designed for households and small businesses, announced last month.
Primary producers who live where they work are already able to claim rebates of up to $1,000 for mouse bait, traps and cleaning products used to protect their homes.
Free grain treatment with bromadiolone for perimeter baiting is awaiting approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
For more information, visit the Mouse Control Program.