Landholders encouraged to seek answers on LHPA rates changes

The Livestock Health and Pest Authorities (LHPA) today urged any landholder with questions on the new LHPA rating system to seek out answers on their own situation.

“In this transition period many landholders may require more information or an explanation of how their rates are now calculated,” Livestock Health and Pest Authorities State Management Council CEO, Steve Orr, said today.

“Rates fund the LHPA’s statewide biosecurity and pest animal functions that safeguard agriculture by reducing the risk posed by pests and diseases.

“For example, last year alone our veterinary officers carried out 10,000 disease investigations across NSW.

“A call centre has been established and additional information has been added to our web site to give ratepayers easy access to information. And of course they can visit one of our offices and speak first hand to LHPA staff.

“Landholders should not hesitate to call 6391 3242 or visit www.lhpa.org.au/rates.”

Mr Orr said a new rating system been introduced this year as a result of the 2007 Bull rating review commissioned by the NSW Government.

“The major change as a result of the Bull rating review is that a base charge replaces minimum rates for both the general and animal health rate,” he said.

“As a result of these changes, some ratepayers will pay less and some will pay more.

“Overall the increase in the amount of rates collected to fund authority activities is in line with the CPI in most authorities.”

“As a result of the Bull review, people with less than 10 hectares of land are no longer required to pay rates.”

Another change this year is the reintroduction of the pest insect levy as a result of the 2008-09 plague locust control campaign. The collection of this levy is a requirement of the NSW Government and these funds go directly to the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Pest Insect Destruction Fund.

LHPA FACTS:

• Livestock Health and Pest Authorities provide the frontline animal health service in NSW.
• Last year our vets carried out more than 10,000 disease investigations, provided advice and responded to animal disease outbreaks. Around 1200 group control programs to help eradicate wild dogs, rabbits, foxes, pigs and other pests were also conducted.
• On 1 January 2009, Livestock Health and Pest Authorities replaced Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs).
• Former RLPB offices across NSW have remained open as offices of the new local authorities and we continue to have vets and rangers on the ground at almost 60 locations across the state, supported by field assistants and customer service officers. General Managers and locally elected directors set direction for the programs we carry out.
• 14 local authorities committed to safeguarding agricultural production from the biosecurity risks posed by animal disease and pests. We also manage travelling stock reserves, stock movement and identification and assist with drought relief. 
• For more information about the work carried out by Livestock Health and Pest Authorities visit our website www.lhpa.org.au

FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit our website www.lhpa.org.au/rates

Media contact: Helen Gosper (02) 6391 3242