Lismore, Tweed, Ballina flood victims to have council rates cut

Flood victims have been handed a lifeline as a cut to rates has been announced, allowing those in need to focus their finances on rebuilding their lives. See if it affects you.

Residents who suffered from the unprecedented 2022 floods are still struggling to make ends meet but a cut to 2022/23 rates announced by the NSW government could ease the pressure.

The scheme targets thousands of flood affected residents from across all seven Northern Rivers government areas and comes as part of a $40 million package by the NSW government.

Deputy Premier and Minister Regional NSW Paul Toole said ratepayers who’s property had been deemed “damaged” would be eligible, or those who had already successfully claimed through Service NSW.

NSW government announce they are cutting rates for Northern Rivers affected victims, offering a lifeline to those suffering. From left: Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, State MP Lismore Janelle Saffin, State Member Clarence Chris Gulaptis, and Mayor Richmond Valley Council Robert Mustow. Picture: Cath Piltz

“Northern Rivers residents have been to hell and back, and receiving a rates notice for a home or business they still can barely access is the absolute last thing they need,” Mr Toole said.

He said the NSW government will continue to support flood victims as fears many are still suffering financially and mentally.

“This rates relief is one less thing they need to worry about as they continue to rebuild their lives – and we’ll continue to stand by their side on that journey in the months and years ahead,” he said.

Local government minister Wendy Tuckerman said anyone in the impacted regions is eligible for the scheme, which include Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.

“The unprecedented flooding has had a disastrous impact on homes, farms and business premises, particularly in the Northern Rivers, and many people from that region are still doing it tough,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Elly Bird from Lismore City Council. Picture: Supplied

She said the scheme will address residential, commercial and farm rates for the 2022/23 financial year, with the hope it will “help them get back on their feet and ease the pressure on council.”

The rates are used to fund community services, sporting and recreation services as well as environmental planning, protection, public health and waste services.

Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister Flood Recovery minister Steph Cooke said residents will be contacted automatically by the government to be notified of their eligibility.

“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,” Ms Cooke said.

The people of Lismore enjoying a relief concert at the Lismore showground after the recent floods Many remain homeless and struggling to recover. Picture: Patrick Hamilton

“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,” she said.

The NSW and Commonwealth governments have pledged more than $3.5 billion for the ongoing recovery and clean up, which includes a $120 million local council support package.