Elise Archer,Minister for Building and Construction
The Tasmanian Government is committed to ensuring the safety of quad bike users in the State.
Quad bike accidents can result in serious injury or death, and children are particularly at risk by quad bike use.
I am pleased to announce that our Government has extended its 12-month rebate scheme for the fitting of an approved operator protection device (OPD), which is designed to protect the operator if the vehicle rolls.
The rebate scheme, which was due to end on 30 June 2020, allows farmers to receive a rebate of up to 50 per cent of the purchase price of an approved operation protection device.
Since the scheme was introduced in July 2019, 103 applications have been approved, totalling more than $54,000.
The scheme will be extended until 10 October 2021, when the mandatory requirement for OPDs on new utility (general purpose) quad bikes under the Australian Consumer Law will come into effect.
All quad bike users should wear helmets, let others know when they intend to use a quad bike, and be aware of uneven terrain and hidden obstacles that can make quad bike use particularly dangerous.
Tasmanians should not allow children under the age of six to ride any quad bike, and should keep children under the age of 16 off adult-sized quad bikes.
The Government strongly urges quad bike users who have not yet done so, to take advantage of this rebate scheme whilst we continue to work to improve quad bike safety for all Tasmanians.
