Upfront costs cut for quad bike safety improvements
The NSW Government has streamlined rebates to further assist drought stricken farmers to claim their $2,000 rebate from the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program as one payment and at the point of sale.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government had invested $7.2 million in order to make farms a safer place to work.
“We have increased the rebate offered on an operator protector device, also known as a roll-over bar, from $500 to $600 which takes in the price of one of the more popular models,” Mr Anderson said.
“From 1st October, both rebates will be applied at the point of purchase for roll-over bars and select side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) reducing out-of-pocket expenses for farmers.
“As part of the Quad Bike Safety Improvement program, Tocal College is also delivering the very popular free training days. Over 1300 farmers now having attended the on-farm training course that is designed for both experienced and new riders. If you can get a group of six farmers or workers, we will bring the training to you anywhere, free of charge and, we will give each participant a free helmet. We have also expanded the training to include side-by-side training courses.
“Quad Bikes continue to be the biggest killer on Australian farms, with 132 killed across Australia, including 32 in NSW since 2011. This program is the most comprehensive in the country and has delivered more than $2 million in rebates to farmers, who in turn have invested $28 million in improving safety.
“I’m also really excited by the inclusion of a $500 rebate for drones in this program as it not only improves safety but, is effective as a tool to check stock, fences, dams and to monitor weed growth.
“This is the most comprehensive Program across Australia and I urge farmers to take advantage of the program to keep their farms safe,” Mr Anderson said.
For further information on the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program visit the Safe Work website or call 13 10 50.