A better than expected up-take of quad bike safety funding has forced the government to increase its investment in the program.
“Farmers will be safer at work on their properties thanks to a further investment in the NSW Government’s Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program,” Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.
Mr Kean said the Government had decided to increase its investment in quad bike safety to a total of $3.7 million.
“NSW continues to lead the way when it comes to quad bike safety, with the latest funds ramping up rebates and training for farmers across the state,” he said.
“Quad bikes are one of the biggest killers on our farms. In fact, according to AgHealth Australia there have been 240 deaths as a result of quad bikes across Australia, since 2001.
The state-wide program offers two rebates, worth up to $1,000 each, to replace an existing quad bike or have it fitted with safety equipment like roll bars, as well as free accredited quad bike training with Tocal College.
Since launching in July 2016, the program has also:
- Issued almost $1.6 million worth of quad bike safety rebates, resulting in a $21 million total investment from farmers in overall farm safety improvements; and,
- Ensured more than 850 farmers and farm workers have completed accredited training, with funding for an additional 100 courses set aside in 2018/19.
Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said the Government was committed to improving quad bike safety across NSW.
“We know quad bikes are an essential part of farming across NSW but we want to make sure we continue to find ways to reduce risk and save lives,” Mr Blair said.
“It is only through Government, industry and farmers working together that we will reduce deaths and injuries from the use of quad bikes.”
Article appeared in The Northern Daily Leader.
