QUEENSLAND farmers are calling on its state government to follow the lead of NSW and Victoria and establish a quad bike safety rebate program to help save lives and prevent accidents on farms.
AgForce president Grant Maudsley said the focus of National Farm Safety Week (July 16-22) was on innovative ideas and practices to promote an improved safety culture on Australian farms.
"Quad bikes are the biggest cause of death on Australian farms with over half of those due to the bikes rolling over and crushing or asphyxiating the rider," Mr Maudsley said.
"Over the past 15 years, 69 people have been killed in quad bike accidents in Queensland - almost a third of the national total - and many more have been injured.
"With quad bikes an essential piece of farm equipment for many farmers, investing in quad protection is vital."
Over the past 15 years, 69 people have been killed in quad bike accidents in Queensland.
- Grant Maudsley, AgForce
Mr Maudsley said AgForce supported policies that were incentives-based to help change producer behaviour rather than harsh regulatory penalties.
"AgForce encourages primary producers to operate quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles that are within manufacturer guidelines and fit for purpose, utilising training and using appropriate safety equipment," he said.
"We also believe state government rebates towards the installation of operator and crush protection devices, alternative vehicles such as side-by-sides, and helmets, would go a long way towards improving quad bike safety on Queensland farms.
"With both the Victorian and NSW Governments introducing quad bike safety rebate programs in their states, it's time a similar scheme was developed in Queensland."
Mr Maudsley said the Victorian Government had allocated $6 million to its quad bike safety rebate scheme, and AgForce would like to see the Queensland Government make a similar investment.