Farmers, including those in the Hunter, will now receive free quad bike training in a boost to the safety improvement program aimed at significantly reducing the number of deaths on rural properties across NSW.
SafeWork NSW in partnership with Tocal College will deliver up to 100 training events in regional and remote areas across NSW previously costing upwards of $200 after a government rebate of $310.
Member for the Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said, offering incentives for quad bike safety will reduce deaths as a result of quad bikes.
"I can't put more hours in a day but what I can do is make it as easy as possible to access training.
"That is why we are abolishing the fee. That is why we are giving helmets away. To make sure people are safe when using quad bikes.
"We are trying to raise awareness about how dangerous these quad bikes are and about how important it is to ride them safely and to use appropriate equipment when using them," Mr Johnsen said.
Since 2011, there have been 113 deaths from quad bike accidents across Australia, with 32 incidents just in NSW.
In March this year, the government doubled the rebates available under the scheme 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.
Today's announcement is about removing a barrier to accessing training and making it as safe as possible for farmers who use quad bikes," Mr Johnsen said.
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| L-R: Singleton's Gavin Wake, Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, Max Wake and Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean at the Wake property on Sunday. |
