NSW farmers are safer on their properties after receiving $1 million in quad bike rebates from the NSW Government’s Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program.
Since 2011, 117 Australians have died in quad bike incidents, including 32 in NSW.
Under the program, farmers can apply for rebates of up to $2,000 towards safer side-by-side vehicles, and new safety equipment for existing quad bikes. They can also attend free quad bike training, after which they will also receive a free helmet.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said farmers have responded positively, claiming more than 1500 rebates worth $1 million, since the program’s launch in July 2016.
“This includes more than 700 claims for side-by-side vehicles, and represents a total quad bike safety investment by NSW farmers of around $12.9 million,” Mr Kean said.
“While this is encouraging, more still needs to be done to bring down the tragic toll of quad bike accidents across NSW.
“That’s why we are putting consumers first and working with other jurisdictions, and the Commonwealth, to introduce a national five-star safety rating system for quad bikes.
“We are also offering an additional 75 free group training courses to NSW farmers, so they can be as safe as possible at work on their properties.”
Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said the Government was looking at a wide range of solutions to improve safety.
“We’re also examining new ways to understand and address the problem with DPI and Safework NSW actively interviewing farmers to consider their perspective and develop more effective ways of encouraging safe use of this important equipment.”
For further information on the program, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50. To apply for rebates, visit www.nswfarmers.org.au.
