Premier

Farmers Quick To Take Up Quad Bike Rebate

10 February 2020

More than 600 farmers have applied to receive the Andrews Labor Government’s quad bike safety rebate in just seven weeks.

New figures released today show that out of the 635 farmers who have taken up the rebate so far, 41 per cent are beef farmers, 26 per cent work on dairy farms, while another 20 per cent are from mixed farming enterprises.

Minister for Finance Robin Scott met with a number of dairy farmers in Shepparton today to discuss the success of the rebate program.

Almost $545,000 has been paid to farmers who have either bought operator protection devices (OPDs) for their quad bikes, or have bought a safer work vehicle.

Sixty-two per cent of farmers applied for the $600 rebate to install an OPD, with the remainder opting for the $1200 rebate to buy a new vehicle.

The quad bike safety rebate scheme, announced by Premier Daniel Andrews in July, was set up to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by quad bike rollovers.

Last year, 22 people died and 70 were injured as a result of quad bike incidents in Australia. In 2016, two farmers in Victoria lost their lives after being crushed by their quad bikes. It is the leading cause of farm deaths in the nation.

The Labor Government has allocated $6 million for the scheme, which is being administered by the Victorian Farmers Federation and Worksafe. It will run for up to two years or until funds are exhausted, with rebates available on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information is available at bequadsafe.com.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott

“A quad bike is necessary equipment for many farms, but it can also be one of the most dangerous.”

“Too many Victorians have died or been seriously injured using quad bikes which is why we’ve taken action to protect farmers and their families.”

“It’s great to see such a strong take-up of the rebate scheme so far, and we encourage every eligible farmer to make use of the rebate while they can.”

Reviewed 26 June 2020

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