State Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter is pleased to hear a 2017 National Quad Bike Safety Forum will go ahead and help clear up some of the misconceptions around quad bike safety.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The first National ATV Safety Conference will be held on March 30 and 31 at Cairns Convention Centre.
Various stakeholders in the Mount Isa electorate have expressed concern that more awareness is needed around quad bike safety.
“A lot of people in the Mount Isa electorate use quad bikes and motorbikes for fun and on their farms. The more awareness about safety, the better,” Mr Katter said.
Mr Katter was amazed that a national quad bike safety forum hasn’t been held sooner, considering the alarming statistics surrounding quad bike fatalities, particularly in Queensland.
“In 2015, there were 21 quad bike fatalities in the country; six in Victoria, four each in Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales, three in Tasmania, and one in the Northern Territory,” he said.
“I have been informed that fifty per cent of the total national fatalities for 2016 were in Queensland, which is why we need to keep raising awareness in the state about safety issues,” he said.
Ex-mayor of Burketown and property owner Annie Clarke agreed that it was a good idea to hold a safety forum.
“It’s always good to make sure that you're up to date with the legislation and good practice, and if you employ people on your property, you need to include it as part of your workplace health and safety policy,” Ms Clarke said.
For more information on the forum visit www.quadbikesafetyforum.com.au.