Drought-ravaged farmers who applied for the Drought Transport Subsidy in the 2018-19 financial year need to claim their freight invoices by the end of this month.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said while all claims for round one had to be lodged with the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) by the end of September, subsidies continued to be available under round two of the program, which began on 1 July.
“We know farmers are under a lot of stress at the moment and we encourage those who applied for the subsidy last financial year to submit their tax invoices to ensure they receive their full payments,” Mr Marshall said.
“Claiming the transport subsidy is simple and can even be done online at the Rural Assistance Authority website.
“I don’t want to see any farmer entitled to a subsidy miss out, so if there is an issue getting the invoices in by the end of the month, I encourage farmers to contact the RAA immediately, so that assistance can be provided.”
Farm businesses can claim freight expenses up to $40,000 from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2019.
More than $145 million in transport subsidies has been provided so far by the NSW Government to help farmers with the costs of transporting fodder, water and stock.
2018-19 financial year Drought Transport Subsidy invoices must be submitted by 30 September 2019.
Farmers who would like help submitting their invoices can contact the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593, their nearest Local Land Services office or the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 686 175.
For more information on the NSW Liberal & National Government’s more than $1.8 billion drought relief package, visit www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au.