Government finally provides mice plague assistance

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has today welcomed the announcement of a $50 million package to address the mice plague.

“Finally – after insulting the CWA and NSW Farmers – after months of pressure from the public – after intense political pressure – the NSW Agriculture Minister has announced $50 million in assistance to tackle the mouse plague,” said Mr Butler

“This package includes assistance for farmers with chemical poison baits being provided for free at between eight and 10 facilities to treat grain in the hardest-hit areas.

“There will also be rebates available for households and small businesses, of $500 and $1000, to help with bait and trap costs.

“An application has also been made to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to approve Bromadiolone which is currently banned – which is the strongest poison around when it comes to targeting mice.

“The NSW Government waited for far too long to make this announcement, some communities in Barwon have been battling mice for over 9 months, whole crops have been destroyed, businesses have lost millions, and people have been bitten sleep.

“The constant battle against mice in homes, businesses, hospitals, and on farm has taken huge mental toll on our communities.

“The Government has sat by and done nothing until now. The public pressure became too great this week, they were forced to act.

“While I welcome the package, I’ll be watching to make sure it goes far enough.”