Quad bike rebates & safety training on offer

Many farmers rely on quad bikes every day to efficiently run their businesses, but the dangers of them rolling over and seriously harming, or even killing, a rider is a constant concern.

To help reduce this risk, the NSW Government and SafeWork NSW is calling on farmers to tap into safety rebates and free training programmes that are available to help prevent further accidents through the $2.8 million NSW Quad Bike Safety Rebate Program.

The rebate allows farm businesses to claim up to $2000, per eligible ABN, to help cover the costs of retrofitting crush protection, an operator protective device (OPD), to an existing quad bikes, the purchase of helmets, or buying a new safer side-by-side vehicle (SSV). The rebate also includes one drone rebate of up to $500 per eligible business. Employees on farms can also claim a $90 rebate for the purchase of a helmet.

Unlimited applications now available

Previously applicants could only apply twice for this rebate, but that has now been changed with any number of applications, to the value of $2000, now being accepted.

Before applying, applicants need to take part in a free educative interaction. Options include watching the SafeWork Quad Bike Safety webinar, a virtual farm safety experience, visiting a SafeWork NSW stall at an Agricultural Field or Farm Safety Day, arranging a safety advisory visit or completing free quad bike or SSV training through Tocal College.

Harm prevention training

SafeWork NSW has partnered with Tocal College to deliver free training for quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles in regional and remote areas across NSW and this program counts as one of the eligible education interactions required to access the rebate scheme.

Eligible participants who undertake the quad bike training also receive a free helmet.

The training can also be delivered on-farm, if eligible farmers can group together with six others.

Check your eligibility and register your interest in both training courses at Tocal College.

For more information about the rebate program, please click here.

If you would like to read more stories about farm safety and training, see our story on drones and how to use them safely.