NSW quad safety rebate boost

The NSW government has announced a boost in its quad bike safety rebate package that will now allow farmers to claim up to $1000 for the purchase of new side-by-sides, helmets, to attend training courses or to retrofit safety equipment on existing quads.

The Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program was introduced in July 2016 in a bid to "encourage and support farmers to adopt a range of harm prevention strategies to protect their workers, family members and themselves" while using ATVs.

The initial rebate value was $500 towards buying a new safer vehicle to use on farm, purchasing approved helmets or safety devices and/or undertaking quad safety training courses.

Under the new package, farmers who have more than one quad bike can also apply for two rebates, meaning they can be eligible for up to $2000.

Since 2011, 111 people have lost their lives in quad bike accidents nationally, with 29 of these incidents occurring in NSW.

"Every fatality has an immeasurable effect on families, friends and communities, and this government is wholeheartedly committed to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by quad bikes in the workplace,” says NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Matt Kean, who announced the new package late last week.

A new, 12-minute, online quad bike safety presentation has also been launched to give farmers easy access to important information. To qualify for the rebates, farmers are required to complete the online course, do a quad bike safety course, or interact with a SafeWork NSW officer.

"We understand farming is a tough and demanding business, and it can be difficult for property owners to drop everything to attend a training day or meet with a SafeWork inspector," Kean says.

"While these options will still be offered, this online teaching tool will allow farmers to access quad bike safety advice at a time that is most convenient to them and, more importantly, give them easier access to the rebates that might save their lives."