Rebates for work vehicle safety

FARMERS purchasing operator protection devices (OPDs) for their quad bikes or buying a safer alternative vehicle can now claim rebates of up to $1200.
The Victorian Farmers Federation is administering the State Government’s $6 million Quad Bike Safety Rebate Scheme and has set up the www.bequadsafe.com.au website to answer farmers’ questions on the scheme and eligibility criteria for the rebate.
“We’re encouraging all farmers to take advantage of this offer by buying Quadbar or ATV Lifeguard OPDs, or getting a safer vehicle to replace their quad bike,” VFF vice president Brett Hosking said.
“It’s vital that farmers protect themselves, their families and their employees from the risks of using quad bikes.
“Quad bikes are one of the most versatile and durable pieces of equipment on our farms, but with that versatility comes the increased risk of accidents, so we need to do all we can to make them safer or replace them with another vehicle,” he said.
Mr Hosking stressed the importance of making an early application to improve the chances of being approved for the scheme.
“We expect to deliver rebates to more than 5000 farmers over the next two years, but get your applications in quick because if demand is high, the fund will run dry.”
Eligible farmers can apply for a rebate of either:
– $1200 for the purchase of an alternate vehicle such as a side-by-side vehicle (SSV) or a small utility vehicle (SUV). The alternate vehicle must be designed for use in agriculture and at point of sale have rollover protection and a fitted seatbelt. Sport vehicles and small commercial vehicles, such as utes, are excluded.
– Up to $600 for the purchase of up to two operator protection devices (OPD). The OPD must have been designed and manufactured in accordance with approved engineering standards and independently tested to be eligible for the rebate. There are currently two OPD devices that meet these criteria and are eligible for the rebate. They are the Quadbar and the ATV Lifeguard.
Applications for the Quad Bike Safety Rebate Scheme opened on Saturday 1 October but any farmer who has purchased an OPD or alternative vehicle from 1 September onwards can be eligible for the rebate.