July 17, 2018
AgForce is calling on the State Government to set up a quad bike safety rebate program to help save lives on farms.
AgForce General President Grant Maudsley said the focus of National Farm Safety Week (July 16-22) was on innovative ideas and practices to promote an improved safety culture on farms.
“Quad bikes are the biggest cause of death on Australian farms with over half of those due to the bikes rolling over and crushing or asphyxiating the rider,” he said.
“Over the past 15 years, 69 people have been killed in quad bike accidents in Queensland – almost a third of the national total – and many more have been injured.
“With quad bikes an essential piece of farm equipment for many farmers, investing in quad protection is vital.”
Mr Maudsley said AgForce supported policies that were incentives-based to help change producer behaviour rather than harsh regulatory penalties.
“AgForce encourages primary producers to operate quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles that are within manufacturer guidelines and fit for purpose, utilising training and using appropriate safety equipment,” he said.
“We also believe State Government rebates towards the installation of operator and crush protection devices, alternative vehicles such as side-by-sides, and helmets, would go a long way towards improving quad bike safety on Queensland farms.
“With both the Victorian and NSW Governments introducing quad bike safety rebate programs in their States, it’s time a similar scheme was developed in Queensland.”
Mr Maudsley said the Victorian Government had allocated $6 million to its quad bike safety rebate scheme; AgForce would like to see the Queensland Government make a similar investment.
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I would have thought not dying or becoming a quadriplegic, would have been enough incentive for farmers to do the right thing in regards to quad bikes. They want a tax break as well?