SafeWork NSW has announced a doubling of its safety rebates for farmers to transition from an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to a side-by-side vehicle.
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Off-roading manufacturer Polaris says the rebate, offered in NSW and Victoria, is very successful and a key driver in side-by-side sales.
Managing director, Peter Alexander, said the rebate was one of the reasons the side-by-side market grew by 75 per cent in NSW last year (and 57 per cent in Victoria), outstripping the national market expansion of 48 per cent.
“If the side-by-side market continues to grow at a rapid rate, which certainly appears likely, given the year-to-date side-by-side market is already almost 40 per cent up on the corresponding period last year, then ATV sales could be practically non-existent within five years,” Mr Alexander said.
“The proactive steps taken by SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria are absolutely key contributing factors to the market growth and we commend them for taking these steps.”
NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Keen announced the rebate boost for farmers to transition from ATVs to side-by-sides. The rebate in NSW has increased from $500 to $1000 per vehicle, with up to two vehicles eligible under the scheme, capped at a $2000 rebate. In Victoria, farmers can qualify for a $1200 rebate.
“We encourage customers to consider the inherent benefits of safety technologies ... including rollover protection systems (ROPS), speed key, descent control, seat belt interlockers, seat belts, side nets and other features ... balancing utility, safety and purpose,” Mr Alexander said.
“We strongly urge safety-conscious farmers to ... transition onto a product with engineered rollover protection ... rather than fitting ludicrous and unproven ‘crush protection’ contraptions to their ATVs.”
Mr Alexander also stressed the importance of age-appropriate vehicles, particularly for youth, including following manufacturer recommendations that adult ATVs should not be operated by children at any time.
“Regulators also have a great opportunity to promote safety technology in youth products, and potentially provide assistance for farmers to purchase of age-appropriate youth models with protective cab frames,” he said.
“We can only hope that if these products are made more accessible and affordable, it will reduce the likelihood of children operating adult ATVs.”
Primary producers wishing to utilise the SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria rebates can find more information at safework.nsw.gov.au and worksafe.vic.gov.au.
