In contrast, by using a registered chemical and following the label people can be assured they are minimising any risks. 

The temptation to make your own bait can be great, but this is risky and dangerous for you, and the environment, it can lead to the accidental poisoning of pets, working dogs and native animals. 

Products that are registered for mouse control have been through a rigorous assessment by scientists at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and are formulated to limit the impact on non-target animals. 

The product labels will often contain specific directions on how to prevent off-target poisonings.

There are also significant penalties associated with the illegal use of agricultural chemicals.”

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has received reports of native bird deaths from suspected homemade mouse bait.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to destroy or interfere with protected wildlife which includes our native bird species, severe penalties apply

Alex Perera, leading chemical standards officer, Agriculture Victoria 

THE Victorian Farmers Federation has renewed calls to improve farm safety following a recent spike in quad bike accidents across the country, including eight fatalities in the last five months.

The federation has led the charge to reduce the rate of quad accidents by rolling out a $6 million state government program to encourage farmers to upgrade their equipment.

The program, which allows farmers to score a rebate of up to $600 to fit an operator protection device on their quad bike – with a maximum of two available per farm – or $1200 to upgrade to a more secure vehicle, has so far seen more than $1.7 million handed out in rebates.

Demand for the rebate remains high, with the federation approving an average of 50 applications each week.

Quad bikes are the biggest cause of death on Australian farms and over half of those are due to the bikes rolling over – crushing or asphyxiating the rider.

The program sends a message to farmers that it is vital that they protect themselves, their families and their employees from the risks of using quad bikes.

But improving quad bike safety is only one step in the federation’s mission to increase safety precautions across the agricultural industries.

Almost a third of workplace deaths in Victoria happen on farms even though the agriculture industry only employs three per cent of Victorian workers, which is an alarming statistic.

It’s a fact that goes unrecognised, and farmers need to be constantly reminded of the reality that we do a dangerous job that requires precaution.

The federation has made a firm commitment to this year improve awareness for farm safety procedures among its 10,000 farmer members.

Farm safety has been a constant feature at the federation’s Farmer Forums, which have been underway since April and form part of the farm lobby’s strategy to improve engagement with its base.

Further details on farmer eligibility for the Quad Bike Safety Rebate program can be found at www.bequadsafe.com.au or by calling the VFF on 1300 882 833 for an application.

Brett Hosking, vice-president, Victorian Farmers Federation