Member for Bega Andrew Constance has today welcomed the announcement farmers in regional NSW will get more cash back in their pockets with rebates and refunds on heavy vehicle registration after the NSW Government changed the way registration charges are calculated for primary producers.
Mr Constance said these changes will come into effect from 1 November 2018 and will provide a little further relief for local farmers.
“We know what farmers really need is rain, but this initiative goes that little bit further to ease the situation they find themselves in,” Mr Constance said.
“We don’t want to see anyone pay more than they should for essential costs such as vehicle registration, especially farmers across our region who are doing it tough right now.
“Having spoken to local farmers, I am acutely aware of the situation many are in, and I am pleased we have been able to find another away to ease some of the pressure.”
“Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said in a boost for farmers, the NSW Government will provide partial refunds on previous heavy vehicles registration charges going back over three years, saving primary producers an average of $2,094.
“Farmers will also receive free registration over the next two years for their heavy vehicles,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Governments don’t always have the answers but when we see a good solution we have a responsibility to act, and that is exactly what we have done here.”
These changes come at a crucial time for farmers in regional NSW, and compliment the NSW Government’s more than $1 billion in drought support, which includes waiving class one agricultural vehicle registration costs.
“In recognition of what they do and what they go through, we have always given our farmers a 55 per cent reduction in their registration expenses, saving them an average of $1259 per heavy vehicle.”
“It had come to my attention that these farmers were eligible for an even greater discount. The response was simple, let’s give the money back,” Mrs Pavey said.
The registration rebate will apply to all renewals from 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2020. For producers who register their vehicles between 1 July and 1 November this year, the amount will be refunded.
Farmers will still have to pay for Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, personalised plates and relevant vehicle checks, for the safety of all road users.
Affected customers will be contacted by Roads and Maritime Services from 1 November with the refund amounts.
Further information is available at:
