Quad bike safety is everyone's concern: Katter

Mr Katter said various stakeholders in his electorate have expressed concern that more awareness was 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,” he said.

Mr Katter is 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,” 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.”

Mr Katter also acknowledged the input from locals who have been pushing for more safety awareness throughout the region.

“Congratulations to Professor Sabina Knight from James Cook University for her persistent rattling of the cage on this issue over the years,” he said.

“Annie Clarke has also been driving awareness in her region across the Gulf and has played a vital role in this area.

“It is encouraging that our community members are supportive in highlighting the seriousness of quad bike safety.”

The National Quad Bike Safety Forum will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre March 30-31.