Quad bike rebates extended

THE Victorian Government is urging Victorian farmers to take advantage of a 12-month extension to the rebate scheme to fit rollover protection on quad bikes, or substitute their bike for a safer alternative.

Eligible quad bike owners now have until September 30 next year to take part in the $6 million scheme, which provides a $600 rebate to fit rollover protection devices to existing quadbikes, or $1200 towards safer substitute vehicles, such as side by sides.

So far, the rebate has been used to fit more than 2,340 quad bikes with rollover protection devices, which help to prevent riders from being pinned or crushed under a quad bike if it tips over.

A further 1,600 subsidies have been given to farmers and other employers to help pay for substitute vehicles.

Minister for Finance Robin Scott said that WorkSafe is now enforcing safety measures to prevent deaths and serious injuries through quad bike rollovers, and that it’s important that farmers are given every opportunity to control this risk.

“Farms are Victoria’s most deadly workplaces, and we strongly encourage anyone who is eligible for the rebate, but has not taken it up, to consider it now.”

The rebate was first announced in 2016 as part of a dedicated campaign to help reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by quad bikes.

Following an extensive awareness campaign, WorkSafe began enforcement activities to control the risk of quad bike rollovers in March this year.

Employers must now take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent the risk of quad bike rollovers, this may include the fitting of rollover protection devices.

The extension means that the $2.4 million remaining in the fund, which is managed by the Victorian Farmers Federation in conjunction with WorkSafe, will be able to be accessed.