Farmers are safer after receiving $1 million in quad bike rebates from the NSW Government’s Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program, Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean says.
Mr Kean said on Monday farmers have claimed more than 1500 rebates since the program started in July 2016.
Farmers can apply for rebates of up to $2,000 for safer side-by-side vehicles, and new safety equipment for existing bikes and can attend free training, after which they receive a free helmet.
Thirty-two people in NSW have died in quad bike incidents since 2011. The national total has been 117.
Mr Kean said claims include over 700 for side-by-side vehicles “and represents a total quad bike safety investment by NSW farmers of around $12.9 million”.
“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.”
The government is also offering an extra 75 free group training courses to farmers.
Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said the government was looking at a wide range of safety solutions.
“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.
Article appeared in Daily Liberal
