Farmers have less than a month to claim a $1,200 rebate for two quad bike operator protection devices (OPDs) or a safer alternative farm vehicle before the Quad Bike Safety Rebate Scheme closes on 30 June 2020.
“Quad bikes are a major cause of injury and death on Victorian farms. In 2019 so far, we have had seven quad bike deaths in Australia, two of them young children, and countless trips to the emergency department with serious, life-altering injuries,” said Mr David Jochinke, VFF President.
“If you care about safety on your farm – the safety of your family, employees, visitors, contractors and you – then you need to care about how and if you operate quad bikes.
“All of the quad bike deaths in 2019 so far have been from quad bike rollovers. Operator protection devices don’t prevent rollovers but they can dramatically reduce the risk of being stuck underneath a rolled quad bike and suffocating to death.
“I encourage all Victorian farmers to take advantage of the quad bike safety rebate scheme before it finishes. Each farm business is eligible for a $1,200 rebate, which can cover the cost of two OPDs.
“Alternatively, if you want to move away from the use of quad bikes on your property all-together, the $1,200 rebate can go towards the cost of buying a safer side-by-side or small utility vehicle.
“There are less than four weeks left for Victorian farmers to apply for the Quad Bike Safety Rebate Scheme. Please don’t miss this chance to save yourself $1,200 and improve quad bike safety on your farm,” said Mr Jochinke.
Farmers wishing to apply for the rebate should call the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit https://www.vff.org.au/quadbike before the rebate scheme closes on 30 June 2020.
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, VFF President, 0427 834 524
Heather Smillie, VFF Stakeholder, Media & Communications Officer, 0400 874 589