Upfront costs and out-of-pocket expenses for important quad bike safety equipment and replacement vehicles will soon be reduced or eliminated under a new streamlined process for the Quad Bike Safety Improvement program, announced by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government.
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, said from October 1, quad bike safety rebates for rollover protection equipment and the safer side-by-side vehicles will be applied at the point of sale, reducing the financial impact on farmers.
“The ability to improve your safety should not be dependent on whether you can afford it,” Mr Provest said.
“That’s why the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has changed the way the rebate system works, so that our local farmers who are doing it tough, have the ability to purchase important safety equipment which could ultimately save lives.
“Tragically, people are still dying in quad bike accidents that could be prevented with the right safety equipment, training and with more regard to the dangers involved with these powerful vehicles.”
Under the revamped Quad Bike Safety Improvement program, quad bike owners will be able to claim their total $2,000 rebate as a one off payment. The NSW Government has also increased the rebate offered on an operator protector device, also known as a rollover bar, from $500 to $600 which takes in the price of one of the more popular models.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said the NSW Government has implemented a range of measures to drive down the rate of accidents involving quad bikes.
“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,” Mr Anderson said.
“Farmers can also access free quad bike training sessions, and a $500 rebate for drones as part of the program, which promotes new and innovative ways of improving safety on farm operations.”
For further information on the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.