THE state government will offer up to $1200 per farm to fit rollover protection devices to quad bikes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Friday that a $6 million subsidy scheme would be set up to help farmers to make their quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles safer.
The scheme provides rebates to farmers to either fit rollover protection devices on existing quad bikes or help them purchase an alternative safer vehicle.
In Victoria, two farmers have lost their lives on farms in the past three months after being crushed when their quad bikes overturned.
Eligible farmers will be offered up to $600 each for up to two quad bikes to fit rollover protection or $1200 towards the cost of buying a more appropriate work vehicle.
It is estimated that more than 5000 farmers will receive the rebate over the two-year life of the scheme, which will be managed by WorkSafe Victoria and the Victorian Farmers Federation.
Member for Western Victoria and Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the subsidy was aimed at saving lives.
“The health and safety of our farmers and their families must always come first,” she said.
“That’s why we’re taking action to support our agricultural communities.”