Fall led to tractor death

THE man who died in a workplace accident at a vegetable farm south of Townsville fell from the tractor he was driving before it ran over him.

Paramedics and Home Hill Police rushed to the scene at Rocky Ponds Produce near Gumlu on Monday afternoon.

Townsville Duty District Officer Senior Sergeant Joe Matheson said the 37-yearold worker was pronounced dead at 5.50pm.

Home Hill Police officerin-charge Sergeant Steve Wilson said police believe the man had fallen from the tractor while it was moving and was partially run over.

“There was a Workplace Health and Safety incident at Rocky Ponds farm at Gumlu,” Sgt Wilson said.

“A male farm worker has fallen from machinery and subsequently died.

“Workers conducted CPR until Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service arrived.”

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland were contacted to attend the accident on Monday evening. WHS officials have issued a non-disturbance notice for the scene.

A spokesman for Workplace Health and Safety said an investigator had returned to Rocky Ponds Produce yesterday to continue inquiries.

The spokesman said it was too early to determine exact leads within the investigation.

The 750ha property produces a million cartons a year in capsicum, melon varieties and pumpkin. Burdekin MP Dale Last said yesterday the community had been rocked by the news.

“What occurred yesterday was an absolute tragedy and I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the man’s family,” Mr Last said. “Rocky Ponds is a large scale operation employing up to 100 staff during the peak of the season and these employees are valued for their work ethic, and the skills they bring.”

Mr Last said the farm had been run by Des and Paula Chapman for several decades.

“They’re innovative farmers who have done a magnificent job in extending and developing their horticultural operation at Gumlu,” Mr Last said.

“It attracts large numbers of seasonal workers each year and it’s a valuable contributor to our local economy.”