The extension of the NSW Nationals signature election policy, the Regional Seniors Travel Card, is a big win for more than 18,000 older Tweed residents, according to Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest.
The free $250 prepaid Visa card is a Nationals in NSW Government policy available to eligible seniors in regional NSW only, not those in Queensland or in the cities, and can be used for fuel and taxis.
“Not only has the Government agreed to extend the card for two more years, we will from next year increase the number of people eligible to include those entitled to the Age Pension and receiving either a Disability Support Pension or a Carer Payment from Services Australia,” Mr Provest said.
“When that starts next year, it will significantly increase the number of eligible Tweed seniors, which under the current criteria stands at a little over 18000.”
Mr Provest said over 13,000 Tweed seniors had already secured their card this year and he encouraged all eligible people to apply.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the extension and expansion of the Regional Seniors Travel Card is part of several cost saving measures aimed at seniors in the upcoming State Budget.
“It has injected more than $108 million into regional economies, benefitting local taxi operators and fuel stations,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Provest said that included more than $3 million a year that Tweed seniors were pumping into the Tweed economy thanks to their $250 cards.
Eligible seniors have until 30 November 2021 to apply. Seniors must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Applications for the card can be made online at www.service.nsw.gov.au, by calling 13 77 88 or by visiting a Service NSW Service Centre in Tweed Heads South or Murwillumbah.