The State Government has announced a $60 million road repair package for River Murray communities on Sunday Feb 5, along with significant tax relief for residents and businesses whose properties and cars have been destroyed or substantially damaged by floodwaters.
“While waters are receding, and the immediate danger is passing, we know there is still a massive and challenging clean-up ahead of us,” said Peter Malinauskas MP.
“This $60 million roads package means we can get on with the job of fixing roads as soon as possible.”
A key transport link between Berri and Loxton, Bookpurnong Road, is expected to re-open to light vehicles within the next fortnight, which is a welcome return following the floods.
The $60 million road repair fund, which will be funded from within existing allocations, will allow urgent repairs to Bookpurnong Road and other damaged state and council roads to proceed with certainty.
The South Australian State Emergency Service estimates almost 1,200 kilometres of road and almost 3300 properties, including more than 360 principal places of residence may have been impacted by flood waters.
Under the new tax relief measures, homeowners whose principal places of residence are substantially damaged or destroyed will be eligible for Stamp Duty relief of up to $48,830 on the purchase of a new home.
The State Government will also waive 2022-23 Land Tax liabilities for business properties and long-term residential rentals that are substantially damaged or destroyed.
Holiday rental properties will be eligible for Land Tax relief where an owner can demonstrate a loss of bookings/income due to the property being substantially damaged or destroyed due to the flood.
However, full-time private holiday homes will not be eligible.
Refunds will be provided where 2022-23 Land Tax liabilities have already been paid. In addition, the government will also provide Stamp Duty relief on vehicles purchased to replace another destroyed or lost in the flood. The relief will be worth up to $2,816 on the purchase of a non-commercial vehicle and $2,127 for a commercial vehicle.
Vehicle owners will also be entitled to relief equivalent to the Emergency Services Levy paid on the active registration period of their lost or destroyed vehicle.
Information on the applying for the tax relief will be available early next week via sa.gov.au/floods. These latest measures add to a significant suite of disaster relief and recovery measures already announced by State and Federal Governments.
Details of a $4.1 million tourism marketing and voucher scheme are expected to be outlined by the end of the month. The State Government is working collaboratively with many stakeholder groups including SA Power Networks to map out next steps once water levels recede and access to inundated properties is safe.
In the meantime, inundated or impacted households are to register for a free waste clean-up assessment by calling the Information Line on 1800 302 787.
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