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| Page Last Updated:
Wednesday, 4 November 2009 |
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| | | | Mildura Rural City Council is encouraging primary producers to make the most of the Exceptional Circumstances Municipal Rate Subsidy announced by the state government recently.
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| The subsidy provides eligible farmers who receive Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments (ECRPs) from Centrelink with subsidies of up to 30% on their municipal rates and charges.
The scheme is an extension of rate rebates the Victorian Government has announced in previous years and will also cover any rate payments already made for 2009/10, including first quarterly instalments.
Deputy Mayor Councillor Sue Nichols welcomed the State government subsidy, which she says recognises the financial hardships many farmers are facing due to ongoing drought.
“I encourage all primary producers receiving Exceptional Circumstances payments to make the most of this subsidy and contact Council to submit their application to receive it,” she said.
The Exceptional Circumstances Municipal Rate Subsidy of 30% is available to:
Eligible farmers who received ECRPs before 1 July 2009, and are continuing to receive ECRPs in 2009/10, and apply for the subsidy within 180 days of the date listed as the Date Last Paid on their Centrelink Income Statement or Interim Payment Letter; and
Eligible farmers who last received ECRPs between 1 April and 30 June 2009, and apply for the subsidy within 270 days of the date listed as the Date Last Paid on their Centrelink Income Statement or Interim Payment Letter.
A pro rata subsidy is available to eligible farmers who begin to receive ECRPs in 2009/10.
All claims for the MRS for 2009/10 must be finalised by Tuesday 1 June 2010. Ratepayers are reminded however that payment of rate instalments is still required by the statutory dates as detailed on the Rate and Valuation Notice.
Farmers wishing to claim the subsidy must present all evidence required to confirm their eligibility and pay the full remaining balance on their rate bill by close of business on this date.
Councillor Nichols urged farmers to finalise their applications as soon as possible.
“Council staff are available to assist with these applications, and to discuss any difficulties anyone might be experiencing in paying their rates for 2009/10,” she said.
“I encourage any primary producer unsure of the assistance available to them at this time to contact their Rural Financial Counselling Service or Centrelink.”
For more information on the Municipal Rate Subsidy, contact the Department of Primary Industries on 136 186, Council on 5018 8100 or www.dpi.vic.gov.au/drought
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