Farmers now have the opportunity to receive free quad bike training in a major boost to the safety improvement program aimed at significantly reducing the number of deaths on rural properties across NSW.
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Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson said that eligible farmers and their workers who complete an approved training course will also receive a free helmet - worth around $120 - suitable for use while they are riding their quad bikes around the farm.
These changes announced represent a further saving to farmers of up to $230.
SafeWork NSW has partnered with Tocal College to deliver up to 100 training events in regional and remote areas across NSW.
From 8 May, free training will also be available through authorised Registered Training Organisations.
Eligible farmers and their workers who complete this training also receive a helmet compliant to NZS 8600:2002.
Previously, farmers attending an approved training course (costing up to $510) received a rebate of $310.
Katrina said more than 200 farmers had attended Tocal College training days since the quad bike safety program was launched last year.
"I encourage local farmers in the region to take up the opportunity for training so they can be as safe as possible at work on their properties," Katrina said.
I encourage local farmers in the region to take up the opportunity for training so they can be as safe as possible at work on their properties
- The Hon. Katrina Hodgkinson MP
"We know time is money to farmers and it's not easy for them to give up a day's work to undergo quad bike training.
"While we can't put more hours in the day, we can make the training free, and encourage farmers to use helmets, as the next step in our campaign to increase farm safety," Katrina said.
Farmers can apply for two rebates, up to the value of $2000, recognising that farmers often have more than one quad bike.
For more information about training opportunities currently available please contact:
Tocal College Skills Training Department of Primary Industries on 1800 025 520 or by emailing profarm@tocal.com. It could save a life.