Quad bike safety talks top the list

The meeting was held in Crookwell, giving district farmers an opportunity to gather with like-minded farmers to share ideas.

Safework’s Alex Crosbie gave a presentation on the quad bike safety improvement program, which included a rebate of up to $1000 for farmers.

“Safework had recently doubled the rebate and farmers can now apply for a $1000 rebate for the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle, $500 for the retrofitting of safety equipment to an existing quad bike, and $90 for the purchase of an approved helmet,” he said.

“Farmers can also apply for the rebate twice if they have more than one quad bike or wish to purchase two side-by side vehicles. Farmers that attended the meeting are now eligible to apply for the rebate.”

NSW Farmers regional services manager David Banham said farmers could get more information about the rebate at nswfarmers.org.au.

“The Safework presentation facilitated much discussion around eligibility and training. To be eligible for training component of the rebate, farmers can attend a Safework presentation or do an online Safework webinar,” Mr Banham said.

Members also discussed a number of local issues such as wild dog control and support for the establishment of the Agricultural Innovation Centre at Crookwell.

NSW Farmers executive councillor Alix Turner also gave an update on NSW Farmers lobbying activities, which generated discussion around electronic tags and the Victorian mandating of tags.  

There was support for the NSW Farmers position of opposing a mandatory tagging system.

The branch was particularly delighted with the participation of Young Farmers in the meeting and looked forward to involvement of the next generation in branch activities.

Robyn Alders and Ken Wheelwright continued on in their roles as chair and secretary of the branch.