Farmers to benefit from quad bike safety scheme

Further details about the Victorian Government’s $6m quad bike safety rebate scheme have been released by WorkSafe Victoria and the Victorian Farmers Federation.

The government is encouraging farmers to take part in the scheme to help reduce quad bike deaths in Victoria.

It was announced last month by Premier Daniel Andrews and will apply to purchases made from 1 September 2016. Eligible farmers will be able to claim their rebate from 1 October.

Minister for Finance Robin Scott encouraged farmers to make use of the scheme to help protect them, their families and their employees.

“I encourage all eligible farmers to use the rebate to fit an appropriate rollover protection device to their quad bike or consider buying another vehicle so that they, their families and their workers can stay safe,” Scott said.

The government is offering rebates of up to $600 for the purchase of a rollover protection device for a quad bike or up to $1200 for the purchase of a safer vehicle such as a side-by-side vehicle (SSV) or a small utility vehicle (SUV).

WorkSafe’s acting executive director of health and safety, Melinda Collinson, said quad bikes were an important farm tool but the risk of rollover was high.

“Fitting a rollover protection device, or choosing a more appropriate vehicle for the task, will help reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Victorian farms,” Collinson said.

Rebates will be available from 1 October 2016 for a period of two years or until funds are exhausted. They will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants with complete applications.

For more information about the rebate scheme, visit the FAQ page.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Michael Garner