Farmers in NSW will now receive free quad bike training in an attempt to significantly reduce the number of deaths on rural properties across the state.
The New South Wales Government ex- panded a multi-million dollar education program to drive down the number of quad bike-related injuries and fatalities.
Four people have been killed in quad bike accidents across the state so far this year, including a six-year-old girl.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regula- tion Matt Kean said farmers who complete an approved training course would also re- ceive a free helmet – worth around $120 –
suitable for use while they are riding their quad bikes. The changes represent a further saving to farmers of up to $230.
From 8th May, free training will also be available through authorised Registered Training Organisations.
SafeWork NSW has partnered with Tocal College to deliver up to 100 training events in regional and remote areas across NSW.
Previously, farmers attending an approved training course (costing up to $510) received a rebate of $310.
It comes in addition to existing safety rebates, which were doubled in March this year for farmers who want to buy a safer side-by-side farm vehicle, retrofit safety equipment to existing quad bikes, and/or buy an approved helmet.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Matthew Kean, said boosting training opportunities was vital.
“We’ve seen over 200 people take up the training course available to date.” he said.
“This is about removing a barrier to ac- cessing that training.”
“That’s why we’re rolling out a free train- ing package and a free helmet for those who access the training package, saving farmers up to $230 and making sure that they’re safe in the workplace.”