Municipal Rate Subsidy 2008/09
The Victorian Government has extended the Municipal Rate Subsidy (MRS) to 2008/09.
The MRS provides eligible farmers who receive Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments (ECRPs) from Centrelink with subsidies of up to 50% on their municipal rates and charges.
A 50% subsidy is available to:
- eligible farmers who received ECRPs before 1 July 2008, receive ECRPs in 2008/09, and apply for the subsidy within 180 days of the date listed as the Date Last Paid on their Centrelink Income Statement; and
- eligible farmers who last received ECRPs between 1 April and 30 June 2008, and apply for the subsidy within 270 days of the date listed as the Date Last Paid on their Centrelink Income Statement.
A pro rata subsidy is available to eligible farmers who begin to receive ECRPs in 2008/09.
Eligible farmers who have already paid their first quarterly rate instalment for 2008/09 in full may still claim their full subsidy entitlement.
All claims for the MRS for 2008/09 must be finalised by Monday, 1 June 2009. This means that 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.
Farmers requiring further information should contact Strathbogie Shire Council's Sheryl Lockwood on 5795 0000.
For more information: Marli Kelly 0409 410 178 - October 17, 2008