{"id":213820,"date":"2018-07-17T15:41:31","date_gmt":"2018-07-17T05:41:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=213820"},"modified":"2020-07-30T10:48:05","modified_gmt":"2020-07-30T00:48:05","slug":"agforce-calls-for-safety-incentive-scheme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/07\/17\/agforce-calls-for-safety-incentive-scheme\/","title":{"rendered":"AgForce Calls For Safety Incentive Scheme"},"content":{"rendered":"
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University of NSW tests with quad bikes and dummies have shown how bikes can crush a driver in a rollover (Photo: UNSW)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

July 17, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

AgForce is calling on the State Government to set up a quad bike safety rebate program to help save lives on farms.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“With quad bikes an essential piece of farm equipment for many farmers, investing in quad protection is vital.”<\/p>\n

Mr Maudsley said AgForce supported policies that were incentives-based to help change producer behaviour rather than harsh regulatory penalties.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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