Victorian farms will be made safer for workers, families and visitors through a new scheme backed by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas was at Avington Merino Farm to launch the new $3 million Farm Safety Rebate Scheme, which will provide a rebate of up to $5000 per farm for infrastructure and equipment to address health and safety risks on farms.
The agriculture sector is overly represented in workplace fatality statistics, making up less than two per cent of Victoria’s workforce, but accounting for 14 per cent of workplace deaths.
This scheme recognises that those at risk of injury or death on Victorian farms are not just farmers, but also families, employees, suppliers and contractors.
Some examples of equipment and infrastructure that are eligible for the rebate include child safety fencing, animal handling equipment, dedicated chemical storage sheds and wash stations, emergency shut off switches and reversing cameras for tractors and vehicles.
The Government is supporting farm businesses to take the lead in making practical changes to their workplaces and improving the sector’s focus on safety. A safe and healthy sector means more resilient communities in rural and regional Victoria and an even better place to work.
The scheme is a key part of delivering Smarter, Safer Farms, the Victorian Government’s $20 million commitment to improve safety and skills for Victorian farmers, and position agriculture as a career of choice.
The Farm Safety Rebate Scheme will close on 31 December 2021 or when all funds are allocated. For more information or to apply for a rebate, visit the Rural Finance website or call 1800 260 425.
Source: Vic Government