Representatives for the tourism operator appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to failure to provide information, structure and training.

Magistrate John Klestadt said the incident had a significant effect on the injured worker.

“In relation to this particular plant or device, there has been significant public notoriety with this vehicle,” Mr Klestadt said.

“I accept on this occasion the accused failed to comply with legislation by not providing proper training or supervision.”

Sovereign Hill chief executive Jeremy Johnson said steps had been taken to ensure the incident did not happen again.

“This is a most regrettable matter involving an accident a staff member had on a quad bike,” Mr Johnson said.

“We no longer use quad bikes as a result of dealing with our responsibilities to provide a safe work place.

“The magistrate was very direct in his directive to us to ensure we comply with all obligations under the OH&S act.”

The quad bike had been used to transport linen between buildings at the historic goldfields site.

Mr Johnson said a similar incident would not happen again.

“We don’t have that plant and equipment anymore, so it is impossible for that to occur again on site,” Mr Johnson said.

Along with the fine, Sovereign Hill was also ordered to pay $5221 in costs for the incident and no conviction was recorded.