ALMOST a million NSW households are now benefiting from the NSW government’s energy rebates.

This includes: approximately 780,000 Low Income Household Rebate recipients; 22,351 rebates approved through the Family Energy Rebate (FER) program; 30,500 Life Support Rebate recipients; 5,600 Medical Energy Rebate recipients; and 85,000 beneficiaries of the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance scheme. 

We are determined to ease the cost of living pressures for households and we’re delivering through our reforms in the energy sector.

We have increased our advertising of energy rebates online and boosted awareness through the State’s schools. We have committed $228 million this financial year to ease energy costs for households through our rebates.

To be eligible for the 2014-2015 NSW FER, you must: be a NSW resident; have been assessed by the DHS as being eligible for the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) A or B during the last financial year, and have received a FTB payment; and be an account holder of an electricity retailer or a long-term resident of a residential community (caravan or mobile home park) whose name appears on the electricity account for supply to his or her principal place of residence.

I encourage energy customers to visit the Division of Resources and Energy’s (DRE) website to find out whether they are eligible for the NSW government’s rebates.

For more information visit: www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au

Small Biz Bus: 

I ENCOURAGE local small businesses to take advantage of the expert business advice on offer when the Small Biz Bus visits Trangie on Monday February 2. 

Having the Small Biz Bus here gives local business operators a great opportunity to get high quality advice and find out what services are available to assist them in the longer term. 

The Biz Bus will be stopping at Trangie on Monday, February 2 between 9am and 3pm outside the Trangie Hotel at 74 Mitchell Highway.

The Small Biz Bus is a mobile advisory and information service for small businesses in NSW. To book an appointment on the Bus or to speak to your local Small Biz Connect advisor, call the Business Centre on 1300 134 359 or visit www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/hop-on-the-small-biz-bus

Justice of the Peace Applications: 

Justice of the Peace (JP) applications have now moved to an online based system. It is to make applications simpler, easier and faster.

Justices of the Peace play an essential part in our legal system, by acting as an independent witness to the signing of documents such as statutory declarations and affidavits. 

There is no cost involved in becoming a JP and people who perform the duty cannot charge for their services.

A new online register, which will be launched in March 2015, will make it easier for Justices of the Peace to update their contact details and community JPs will be required to nominate when they are available.

This will help you can find a JP in our community when you need one.

For more information about the role of a JP and how to apply, visit www.jp.nsw.gov.au or contact my Electorate Office on (02) 6882 3577.

Rain and Australia Day: 

We have had some much needed rain and storms across the region lately.

Keep up to date with warning and what’s coming by visiting www.bom.gov.au. Remember to take care on our roads as we are coming to the end of the holiday period.

And if you are in Mudgee this Australia Day I look forward to catching up with you.