THE garden care industry is set to benefit from the expansion of the Federal Government's fuel tax credits scheme introduced July 1, 2008, according to Honda Australia power equipment manager Ray Briffa.

Welcome news for the garden care industry.

Whilst previously only available to specific industries and heavy vehicle operators, the expansion enables "off-road" fuel concessions, providing benefits to professional users of landscape and gardening equipment, including lawnmowers, brushcutters, blowers and the like.

According to Mr Briffa, the reforms to the scheme are welcome news for the garden care industry, particularly in light of the rising fuel prices, water restrictions and dry conditions experienced in recent years.

"The past couple of years have been tough for the garden care industry, with the drought drying out lawns across many areas of the country, coinciding with water restrictions; this has led to a decline in demand for regular garden maintenance," he said.

"For these service providers to now be able to recoup some running costs through their inclusion in the fuel tax scheme is a very encouraging step.”

Mr Briffa acknowledged the rising fuel cost pain as a widely felt sentiment in the industry, but is further encouraged by plans for the rebate to double in four years.

"In addition to these initial measures, Honda is glad to see that there is policy in place for the fuel tax scheme to offer an even greater rebate (a 50 per cent increase) by 2012," he said.

According to Mr Briffa, strong sales of Honda's advanced four-stroke product range this year marks a trend in which operators of traditional two-stroke equipment are making the transition to more fuel efficient product.

Further benefits of four-stroke equipment include reduced exhaust emissions, quieter operation, minimal vibration and the ability to use regular unleaded fuel rather than an oil and fuel mix - ultimately these factors lead to a more efficient and productive work day.

Honda 1300 146 632.

www.honda.com.au