Nsw government annouce 50 million dollar support package for farm mouse plague 20210513 p5y6gs.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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NSW farmers to get access to free unlimited poison to tackle mouse plague

Nathan Edwards

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Farmers in regional New South Wales will soon be able to access unlimited free poison to tackle an overwhelming mouse plague infesting homes and destroying crops across the state.

The state Government will provide free baits to treat grain as part of a $50 million support package to help tackle the ongoing issue.

"They're certainly making a mess and the odour is quite overpowering," one farmer told 9News.

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Dozens of dead rodents in Coonamble. mouse plague

Dozens of dead rodents in Coonamble. Supplied

"And every morning we have to take all the dead ones away."

The package, announced by NSW Agricultural Minister Adam Marshall on 2GB this morning, will see free grain baiting treatments and rebates on offer across the region to help challenge the "scourge".

Households will have access to $500 rebates for baits while small businesses will have access to rebates of $1000.

The Government is applying for an emergency exemption to import a banned toxin from India expected to be four-times stronger than poisons currently available.

The announcement comes as farmers gathered at State Parliament earlier this week asking for $25,000 to bait the mice, but no ministers attended their meeting.

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Mr Marshall said he had been "everywhere across the bush" talking with farmers about how they could best support the region, taking the form of the $50m package.

"We'll actually be providing free chemical poison baits for farmers, primary producers, croppers to challenge this scourge," Mr Marshall said.

"Beyond the paddocks, (we'll also) provide rebates for small business and for households whether they're on the farm or in our rural towns, to help them with the costs of all the baits that they're buying."

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro also announced the creation of an advisory committee that will help combat the rodent infestation through expert advice and tracking information.

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Hundreds more mice in Gilandra. mice plague

Hundreds more mice in Gilandra.  Supplied

"I am also forming an advisory committee to ensure everyone has access to expert advice, including the latest hot spots, health and food safety advice, information for vets and guidance for keeping children and animals safe," Mr Barilaro said.

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