What to do if you contact a powerline

If a vehicle strikes a powerline, unless there is some other emergency, it is best to stay inside the vehicle until help can arrive.

When a vehicle comes into contact with powerlines you should immediately contact SA Power Networks on 13 13 66 stay in your vehicle until SA Power Networks confirms it is safe to do so.

Others in the vicinity also should keep well clear of the vehicle until SA Power Networks confirms the line is safe.

If the vehicle needs to be evacuated, jump clear without retaining contact with the vehicle. Land on both feet and shuffle away until at least 10 metres clear.

In a power emergency call SA Power Networks on 13 13 66. For an ambulance or police assistance, call 000.

Article kindly provided by SA Power Networks.

Farming families risk creating problems and expense or reducing their options by leaving succession planning too late. Sometimes this can result in the farming property being sold or broken up. Sometimes it’s the family that breaks up.

Estate planning involving all family members and taking into account individual expectations can often prevent problems, such as breakdowns in family relationships and trust, emerging later on.

Instead of a planned handover of management, control and ownership of the farm over time, families often wait for a major life event before considering farm succession and passing on the enterprise to the next generation.

These events can be the older generation wanting to retire, a son or daughter returning home to work on the farm, a new marriage or death in the family, or a housing issue. Ideal planning occurs when the family makes an informed decision before that happens in conjunction with all interested parties when decisions can be made by choice and not necessity.

Often both generations do not negotiate their wishes, their expectations, remuneration, holidays, housing issues, what they stand to inherit and what financial support is needed for off farm family members and parents in retirement.

It is very traumatic for the farm family that has not planned for succession when a situation dawns on them and they realise the farm needs to be sold.

Good succession planning should encompass early planning around a profitable business with off farm investment to provide for the older generation’s retirement and the needs of off farm siblings. It should begin by managing the expectation of farm family members.

Succession Planning:

Understanding families is the key to effective estate planning:

Having a clear understanding of your family at the outset of the planning process helps ensure that the plan suits the particular needs of your individual families.

The best source of information about families comes from you, who has the clearest knowledge of family strengths and weaknesses and can guide in the preparation of estate plans that fit your circumstances.

The challenge is getting family members to accept decisions that need to be made:

Succession (Estate) planning involves arranging a family’s assets and circumstances to ensure that you derive from those assets, maximum use and enjoyment at a minimum cost in tax and duties and to put in place a plan ensuring that the farming assets are passed to the next generation at the same time ensuring your financial security in retirement and providing bequests for “off farm” children.

The planning process:

The process require a review of your circumstances and farm structure and our formulating a plan and recommendations which include:

• consideration of transfer/gift of assets to children;
• introduction of children into the farm business;
• your retirement, if applicable;
• asset protection;
• changes to the farming structure;
• effective wills;

Your affairs are unique and require individual attention. Succession planning requires an initial comprehensive understanding of your financial and personal needs, asset holdings, your needs and plans and those of your children, especially those actively involved with the property.

Asset Protection:

Generally the main concern is the protection of the family assets. This is because:-

• we want to ensure that our personal and business assets are protected for future generations;
• we want to ensure that our assets are protected from attack from creditors, bankruptcy etc.
• we want to ensure that the assets that pass to our children are protected from creditors, bankruptcy, marriage breakdown, etc.
• we need to ensure the security of our cash flow and financial security in retirement;
• the society we live in is increasingly at risk from litigation.

Asset protection is a real concern and an integral part of a succession plan.

Family Protection:

Another major concern is to avoid family dispute and breakdown of family relationships. Your succession plan needs to consider each family member and consideration given to their circumstances. In most situations it is not possible, and sometimes not fair, to treat all children equally. Our experience is that children are more likely to understand if consulted and become involved in the planning process.

A succession plan needs to identify any potential problems and make suggestions and recommendations to try and avoid conflict in the future.

Other Topics considered in Succession Planning:

In considering Succession Planning, there are other issues that may be relevant to your circumstances and questions.

These other issues you may wish to address include:-

• Transfer of assets to children by gift or otherwise during your lifetime;
• Existing business / farm structures and recommended changes;
• Options and Buy / Sell Agreements;
• Retirement;
• Pre-nuptial and de-facto Agreements;
• Guardians for children;
• Enduring Powers of Attorney;
• Advance Health Directives;
• Insurance / Superannuation;
• Family challenges to your Will and Estate;
• Retention of assets in the family.

Accounting and Financial Advice:

Your solicitor’s advices deal with legal issues only. Taxation, Superannuation and Income Generation issues are matters for the expertise of your Accountant and Financial Advisor and you should consult them in regard to those matters. A sound succession plan can only be achieved by combining your own family’s goals with good legal and financial advice.

Article kindly supplied by Finemore Walters & Story Solicitors.

Substantial changes have been made to the Australian Consumer Law¹ to ensure standard form contracts contain fair terms that level the playing field for small to medium businesses and significantly increase the number of small business contracts that are captured under the unfair contract term protections.

ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh states, “The changes to the unfair contract terms laws should motivate businesses to take steps to ensure their standard form contracts are fair, including by removing or amending concerning terms.”²

Penalties for unfair contract terms

The motivation Mr. Keogh refers to is the significant penalties to be imposed upon those seeking to implement unfair contract terms introduced on 9 November 2023.

Maximum fine for corporations:

• $50 Million.
• 3 times the value of the benefit received from the unfair term.
• If the value cannot be determined, 30% of the adjusted turnover during the breach period.

Maximum fine for an individual:

• $2.5 Million.

Previously, when a standard form contract was found to have an unfair contract term, the term was void and unenforceable without penalty.

Changes for small business contracts

The regime of protection from unfair contract terms applies to consumer contracts or small business contracts if they are standard form contracts. A standard form contract generally refers to terms that are presented to a customer without an effective opportunity to negotiate them.

A consumer contract refers to any contract for a supply of goods, services or an interest in land to an individual whose acquisition of the goods, services or interest is wholly or predominantly for personal, domestic or household use or consumption.

Significant changes have been made to the scope of a small business contract, with the aim of substantially increasing the number of small business contracts captured under the unfair contract term protections. Under the new changes, there will be a small business contract where either party has fewer than 100 employees and has a turnover of less than $10,000,000, which is a significant increase to these thresholds.

Next Steps

It is advisable to review your standard form contracts, as recommended by the ACCC (Businesses urged to remove unfair contract terms ahead of law changes |ACCC).

The financial consequences of just having an unfair contract term in a standard form contract, even if it is not sought to be imposed, are significant, and all businesses need to ensure they are fully prepared to avoid such risks.

For more information, you are welcome to watch a recording of a webinar on this topic at: https://www.dwfoxtucker.com.au/event/seminar-the-consequences-of-unfair-contract-terms

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¹ Found in Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

² Businesses urged to remove unfair contract terms ahead of law changes | ACCC.

When it comes to powering your agricultural endeavors, trust only the best. AG Diesel Pumps and Injectors are your ultimate partner in keeping all your farm machinery running.

Your One-Stop Shop: From your trusty farm ute to essential diesel water pumps, diesel generators, tractors, and plant equipment, AG Diesel covers it all. AG are diesel and turbocharger specialists trusted by workshops, agricultural dealerships and the general public alike. We have extensive test facilities to ensure you get the right repair. With over 50 years in the industry, we understand the unique needs of agricultural operations like no other.

Swift Solutions: In the fast-paced world of farming, downtime is simply not an option. That’s why AG Diesel prioritizes fast repairs and quality service. With a vast inventory and a robust supply network, we ensure that you get what you need promptly, getting you back up and running in no time.

Specialists in the Field: Hard-to-source parts? No problem. AG Diesel specializes in sourcing and repairing even the most elusive parts, ensuring that your equipment operates at peak performance. Whether you need genuine or aftermarket parts, we’ve got you covered.

Nationwide Reach, Local Care: No matter where you are in Australia, AG Diesel ensures reasonable freight rates for swift delivery to your doorstep. Our commitment to serving farmers across the country knows no bounds.

Upgrade Your Farming Experience Today: Don’t let equipment woes hold you back. Experience the difference with AG Diesel Pumps and Injectors. Trust in our decades of expertise, fast repairs, and comprehensive service to keep your agricultural operations running smoothly.

Join the AG Diesel Family: Join the countless farmers who rely on AG for their agricultural diesel fuel injection and turbocharger needs. Visit our website at https://www.agdiesel.com.au or contact us today on 1300 AG DIESEL to learn more about how we can elevate your farming experience. AG – your trusted partner in agricultural excellence.

Article kindly supplied by AG Diesel.

LPG is a highly versatile energy source for agricultural businesses and remains a critical part of Australia’s energy mix as we transition to a Net Zero economy by 2050.

With so many agricultural businesses located in off-grid rural or remote locations across Australia, LPG is an essential energy source for high grade heat in large volumes — which can make electricity an unsuitable option.

As an alternative fuel for a range of agricultural applications, LPG is also a credible pathway for businesses seeking to reduce their own carbon emissions and decarbonise their operations.

LPG for crop, livestock and poultry applications

When yield and efficiency is everything, consistent, controllable and economical heating and hot water is crucial. Add the unique, near- complete combustion properties of LPG and the low risk of burning or contaminating produce, you can see why Australian agricultural operators depend on LPG to meet their business energy need.

LPG agricultural applications:

• Grain drying: high grade heat in large volumes to support post- harvest operations
• Heating: large area space heating for nurseries, greenhouses, stables and sheds
• Livestock farming: instantaneous hot water for sanitising livestock processing areas
• Flame weeding: highly controlled, chemical free weeding ideal for organic producers
• Nurseries and greenhouses: CO2 enrichment to maximise photosynthesis potential

LPG as a substitute for diesel

LPG produces 45% less CO2 than grid electricity and 99% less NOx pollutants than diesel. For many stationary engine applications where a diesel tank of fuel is required, LPG is a flexible and efficient energy source. Unlike diesel, LPG does not deteriorate in tanks and does not require water to be drained from the bottom of tanks over time.

Benefits of LPG:

• Suitable for fixed diesel installations and vehicles
• The rate of substitution is typically 30-35% and depends on engine size and application
• A diesel substitution kit is fitted to the engine without the need to make any modifications
• The kit can be easily removed and installed on another engine
• Diesel Substitution Control Units ensure the optimum substitution rate
• Engine monitoring and data logging systems continuously check engine performance and fuel consumption
• Reduced maintenance costs due to cleaner burning fuel
• Where CO2 is used to modify the growth environment to be recaptured from flue gas and re-used in the growing process
• Transitioning to LPG is increasingly cost effective – even when government fuel rebates and equipment conversion costs are considered

With so many vital services requiring digital access, farms and agricultural businesses, just like any other business, require the best possible, most reliable internet connection.

Regional Fibre, Satellite and Wireless

Activ8me offers a wide selection of internet connections, depending on what nbn technology type is available in your area. Many Aussies don’t realise that the nbn is available where they live; with free standard installation and nbn equipment, even in the most isolated parts of the country.
It doesn’t matter where your farm is anywhere around Australia, Activ8me has an internet service for you.
With free standard installation and no cost for the nbn hardware, there are no hefty charges to get multiple internet services installed by a qualified technician.
No matter how remote your location, approved technicians are available to come to you for free.

Introducing Completely Unmetered Data on Satellite

Exciting changes have come to satellite internet, with the introduction of Sky Muster® Plus Premium.
Activ8me’s Sky Muster® Plus Premium. plan offers satellite users completely unmetered data for ALL online activities all day, every day.
While nbn may shape traffic to speeds where required to ensure fair access to the network for all services, for the first time on satellite, users can access video streaming services (like Netflix, ABC iView and Kayo) as much as they want, including during the evening hours.
These changes make a HUGE difference to how much data services can use each month, in addition making schooling-from-home and running a farming business much more affordable.
While great for video streaming services, these changes also significantly impact business tools and IoT devices, which are becoming more prevalent in the agricultural industry.
Farms can now access remote monitoring devices, including video feeds from cameras or cloud-based platforms without worrying about a monthly data allowance.
With many IoT tools operating through in-app VPN networks, farmers can use these services and no longer use up limited ‘metered’ data, as was previously the case on Sky Muster Plus.
The Sky Muster Plus Premium plan costs $99 per month, with no joining fees and available on a no lock-in contract with no setup or connection fees.
Changing over to Sky Muster Plus Premium from another provider is a simple and easy process, whether you’re on a standard Sky Muster plan or already on Sky Muster Plus.
For full details on the new Sky Muster Plus Premium plan, visit Activ8me’s Sky Muster plans page or do an address check to see what connection type is available on your property.

Install Multiple Services Across Your Farm

Often one service is not enough, with connectivity required at multiple buildings on one property. Activ8me are experts in regional internet services, especially in ensuring farms have adequate connections across the property to meet their needs.
The Australian-based team at Activ8me can add additional buildings to the nbn Service Registry in Wireless and Satellite areas, allowing for free installations of additional services on a single farm (with a limit of one service per building).
Adding multiple services on each property means sheds, dongas, outstations and worker accommodations can access their own internet services, paid for by themselves or as part of one farm business account. Each service includes free standard installation and no cost for the nbn equipment.

Get Your Free Upgrade to Fibre to the Premise (FttP)

Activ8me can offer free fibre upgrades in eligible areas, with the number of regions available for a free fibre to the premise (FTTP) installation increasing over the coming 12-24 months. This includes satellite areas as well as Fibre-to-the-Node locations across regional Australia. Contact Activ8me’s Aussie-based team on 13 22 88 to find out if or when your region is available to take part in this fibre upgrade rollout program.

Fixed Wireless Expanded Coverage and Higher Speed Tiers Coming Soon

Activ8me currently offers Fixed Wireless Plus, the fastest available nbn® fixed wireless plan on the market, as of mid-2023.
With an unlimited data allowance for just $69.95, farms in eligible fixed wireless areas can receive excellent coverage and reliability. Further upgrades are being performed by nbn on Fixed Wireless towers across the country. These upgrades will soon allow us to offer even faster speed tiers, more than 100mbps download, utilising 5G technology. In addition, these towers will extend the range of fixed wireless coverage, meaning we’ll be able to offer fixed wireless to farms and homes that can currently only receive satellite internet coverage.
Our team can determine if you’re eligible for fixed wireless, or let you know when the tower nearby will be upgraded to reach your property.

Speak to our Aussie based Rural Internet Experts

Call Activ8me’s Aussie-based team on 13 22 88 and our knowledgeable staff can do the hard work for you, running you through the process and arranging connections over the phone.

Article kindly supplied by Activ8me.

There’s a lot of good things about living and working outside Australia’s bigger towns and cities, but it also has its unique challenges.

Fewer services, isolation and extreme weather events are just a few of the things that can be harder to deal with out here. In rural and remote areas there can also be a ‘toughen up’ culture where it’s not always easy to talk about the things that keep us awake at night or give us the confidence to ask a mate if everything is OK. That’s why the ‘Mateship Manual’ was developed. To help those in rural and remote areas support their mates and loved ones doing it tough.

Sometimes it’s up to us to trust our gut instinct and ask someone who may be struggling with life, “Are you OK?”. By asking and listening, we can help our mates and loved ones feel more supported and connected long before they even think about suicide. It’s something we can all do by following a few simple steps.

Download your FREE copy now so you can:

• Learn the signs that someone might be struggling
• Be confident in asking R U OK?
• Provide support

R U OK? is pleased to provide the R U OK? Mateship Manual FREE of charge at ruok.org.au.

R U OK? can also offer physical copies within Australia free of charge at the R U OK? Merchandise Store.

How you can Support Someone affected by a Natural Disaster

Natural disasters and emergencies disrupt lives and routines. When things around us change, we change too – and what that means for us emotionally is different for everyone.

The environmental impact of the event might be immediate, as it is with flood or bushfire, but it might also develop over time, as it does with drought. Depending on what people are already dealing with in their lives, the emotional impact can be difficult for people to cope with both in the short and longer term.

The new R U OK? Mateship Manual provides guidance and tips to help you support a family member, friend, neighbour or workmate affected by a natural disaster or an emergency now and into the future.

To learn the signs that someone might be struggling and how to ask them “are you OK?” and provide support download your free digital copy at ruok.org.au.

Essential Energy looks after the poles and wires that deliver electricity to 95 per cent of New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland. The electricity powers the homes, hospitals, schools, businesses, and services that form local community. The business is on call 24/7 to fix power outages, maintain the pole and wires to meet customers’ needs and explore innovative and cost-effective ways to provide services.

Essential Energy knows that regional, rural and remote communities form the backbone of NSW’s agricultural industry.

The biggest electrical safety risk for the agribusiness sector is machinery contact with powerlines and power poles. For this reason, Essential Energy urges farmers to take steps to protect their safety and the safety of others when working near electrical infrastructure.

Essential Energy’s Head of Organisational Safety, Michael Flannery, described public safety as a shared responsibility. “Our goal is to help farmers and agricultural workers to understand how to protect their safety and the safety of others when working near the electricity network.”
“Essential Energy has a network that spans 95 per cent of NSW and serves 1,500 rural, regional and remote communities, so a lot of our work is centred around electrical safety within the agricultural industry”, Michael said.

“Essential Energy’s educational safety campaigns focus on those working on the land and reinforce the need for farmers to remain alert to electrical hazards and aware of the location of electrical infrastructure, such as overhead powerlines,” Michael said.

Essential Energy offers a range of tools to help keep workers safe while working on the farm. This includes an Aerial Marker Program, offering the installation of up to 10 aerial powerline markers free of charge, to increase powerline visibility and help reduce contact with overhead powerlines.

Michael said “Unfortunately, we have seen a variety of incidents across our footprint, involving farming machinery and aerial spraying (crop dusting) planes coming into contact with our network. To help reduce the risk of potentially fatal accidents, landowners are encouraged to consider installing aerial markers on their property.

“Feedback from those undertaking work near where aerial markers are installed has been very positive, with people saying how amazed they are with how eye catching the markers are, and others stating they help save lives.”

SafeWork NSW offer rebates to small businesses and sole traders in NSW who buy and install equipment that makes their workplace safer, meaning many agribusinesses may be able to claim back up to $1000 of the purchase cost of the powerline markers. Essential Energy also offers site visits on request to discuss ways to stay safe around powerlines.

Essential Energy also has the Look Up and Live app available to use in its network area, which provides powerline safety at the click of a button.

“The app is a simple tool that everyone can access from a laptop or smartphone to access information including the location of overhead powerlines and imagery via an interactive geospatial map. This is an important first step that everyone working on the land should take before starting work,” Michael said.

The app can be accessed at essentialenergy.com.au/lookupandlive or can be downloaded through the Apple or Google Play stores.

Essential Energy also offers a range of online electrical safety information including educational fact sheets on agribusiness and harvest safety, free safety stickers, and a practical instructional electrical safety video. These are available at essentialenergy.com.au/safety

• Look up and Live – visit essentialenergy.com.au/lookupandlive or download the app
• Install aerial markers – visit essentialenergy.com.au/aerialmarkerprogram to request markers for your property
• Know machinery heights – the height of farm machinery and equipment, both when raised and lowered
• Stay, Call, Wait – if your vehicle comes into contact with the overhead network, stay in the vehicle, call 000 and wait for the all clear from Essential Energy.

Tips for staying safe

As harvest activities heighten across NSW and GPS tracking and autosteer technology is more heavily relied upon, the risk of farm machinery contacting powerlines or power poles increases. Essential Energy recommends these top tips for keeping safe on the land during your daily farming activities.

Plan ahead to stay safe.

The first and most important step is to always plan ahead to stay safe. “We encourage all landowners to plan ahead before starting work, download the Look up and Live app and inquire with Essential Energy about the installation of aerial markers and other electrical safety measures, to help keep themselves, and their workers safe this season” Michael said.

Essential Energy offers site visits on request to discuss ways to stay safe around powerlines, including considering installing aerial markers.
Seasonal Worker Checklist. This is designed to help keep seasonal workers on properties stay safe.

The Seasonal Worker Checklist

is designed to help keep seasonal workers on properties stay safe. “The seasonal worker checklist is a handy 5-minute checklist that all landowners can incorporate into their daily safety inductions to ensure employees understand the dangers of working around electricity, and how they can keep themselves safe,” Michael said. The checklist is available at essentialenergy.com.au/agribusiness

Stay. Call. Wait.

It’s also critical to know how to respond in the unlikely event your machinery comes into contact with powerlines or other parts of the electricity network.

If your machinery contacts overhead powerlines, stay in the vehicle and call 000 immediately. Wait until you have received the all clear from attending Essential Energy employees that the power has been switched off and it’s safe to exit the vehicle.

“This is a critical step that could save your life – too often we have seen incidents occur because workers did not know how to respond when their machinery contacted the network – staying put could save your life,” Michael said.

Stay clear when powerlines are near.

Remember that electricity can arc or ‘jump’ across open spaces, so bystanders should remain at least eight metres away and treat powerlines as live.

To achieve safe work habits

• Ensure minimum approach distances are maintained – that is, the amount of space between machinery (and anything held by a person) and the powerlines. This will prevent electricity arcing to the vehicle operator or the machinery.
• Know the height and reach of machinery in both stowed and working positions. Machinery higher than 4.6 metres is at greater risk of contact with powerlines and therefore should be closely monitored.
• Identify safe travel paths to reduce the possibility of contact with powerlines and always fully lower machinery to the transport position before moving off.

If an emergency exit is necessary because of fire, jump well clear of the vehicle, land with your feet together, and don’t touch the vehicle, fall forward or backward, or allow your feet to step apart. Shuffle with your feet together until you are at least eight metres clear of the vehicle, powerlines or anything else in contact with them. Do not return to the vehicle for any reason.

Look up and live. Agricultural workers are encouraged to identify potential electrical hazards on a property before starting work and be mindful that changes in weather conditions can affect the electricity network. This includes reduced visibility of powerlines at dawn or dusk and strong winds and extreme heat causing lines to sway and sag.

“We participate at major field days, use radio ads, email, social media and web campaigns, and provide in-cab stickers for agricultural machinery. However, ultimately at the end of the day, the most effective way to remain safe on the farm is to have controls in place for identifying overhead and underground electrical assets prior to working near the network,” added Michael.

To find out more about initiatives specific to agribusiness and safety around electricity on farms,
Visit essentialenergy.com.au/agribusiness
contact Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80or call Triple Zero call (000) if the situation is life-threatening.

Article kindly provided by Essential Energy

Any excavation, big or small, can damage underground infrastructure. Damages can lead to service interruptions, project delays, costly repairs, and injury to workers and the community. Before You Dig Australia (BYDA), formerly Dial Before you Dig (DBYD), is a not-for-profit organisation. BYDA has protected Australians and underground infrastructure from harm and damage and continues to provide the free referral service that is essential to a farmer’s safe work practices.

What should you do before you dig?

Safety is fundamental to any digging or excavation project on your property, including digging, fencing, planting, constructing a dam or shed, or even burying livestock. Therefore, using the BYDA service should always be your first point of contact before starting work. When you submit an enquiry, you gain access to plans and information directly from utilities such as gas, electricity, water and telecommunications straight to your email inbox.

Not sure how to access the service?

The free service is accessible via the BYDA website www.byda.com.au or through the iPhone and Android apps. To submit an enquiry, you must sign up for a free account. Start by logging in and searching for your dig site using the map. Draw your proposed project site using the mapping tools provided, and provide project details, including location, start and end dates and type of work.

What happens next?

Once you submit the enquiry, you can review a list of affected utilities, their contact details and expected wait times to receive plans and information. Plans are indicative only and should be used as a guide. If you require further information or assistance or have not received plans, please contact the asset owner directly using the contact details supplied on the enquiry confirmation sheet. Ensure you DO NOT proceed until you have received the relevant information from all affected asset owners.

Please remember

• Safe excavation is not just about getting the plans – you should also ensure you work safely once onsite
• Be mindful that plans do not show the entire domestic connection
• Look for clues near underground infrastructure. These may include water meters, inspection points and warning signs
• Use a Certified Locator to help determine the location of assets
• Take note of any required permits
• Be aware of any exclusion zones around assets
• Always follow the 5Ps of safe excavation!

For more information, please visit the BYDA website www.byda.com.au

Article kindly provided by Before You Dig.

What is the Harvest Mass Management Scheme (HMMS)?

The Harvest Mass Management Scheme (HMMS) comes into effect between 1 October and the last day of February each year to assist the grain industry with managing the difficulties experienced when loading grain in a paddock. While this is not a concessional loading scheme, with Transport Operators expected to load to statutory mass limits, Main Roads acknowledges that there are limited weighing facilities in

paddocks and variations in grain densities.

As such, the HMMS allows a vehicle to exceed a statutory mass requirement by up to 10 per cent, to a maximum of 10 tonnes on the gross mass, subject to the conditions specified in the HMMS Business Rules. Once delivered and weighed at the Grain Receiver, the loads should be adjusted accordingly for the next delivery, which eliminates overloading and works toward achieving fully compliant loading practices for the remainder of the harvest season.

How to participate in the Scheme

To participate in the HMMS, Transport Operators are required to register with each participating Grain Receiver that they deliver to during the harvest period. This must be completed prior to any load being accepted by that Grain Receiver. An application to register a vehicle for use under the HMMS can be obtained and submitted directly to the participating Grain Receiver where deliveries will be made. A written agreement must also be signed stating that the transport operator will abide by the HMMS Business Rules and any additional rules the participating Grain Receiver may have in place to ensure they meet their obligations under the scheme.

What roads can I access?

Transport Operators and farmers operating in the scheme need to ensure the roads they intend to use are approved for the particular RAV combination being used. Road ratings and approvals are available on the Main Roads RAV Mapping Tool at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au.

If additional roads are required, the Transport Operator or farmer can apply for a road to be added to the relevant RAV network via the standard RAV route assessment application process. For further information on this, or to obtain an application form, visit the Access Requirements in WA page on the Main Roads website.

It should be noted however, that a Transport Operator cannot participate in the HMMS if they are operating under the Accredited Mass Management Scheme (AMMS) and their loading controls are relevant to the loading site they are transporting grain from.

Further Information

The HMMS Business Rules define the requirements which apply to each party involved in the scheme and can be found on the Harvest Mass Management Scheme page on the Main Roads website.

For more information please call Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services Helpdesk on 138 486 or visit www. mainroads.wa.gov.au

Movement of Oversize and Overmass Agricultural Vehicles

In recent years, Main Roads has worked closely with agricultural industry representatives to simplify and streamline the requirements relating to moving oversize and overmass agricultural vehicles on the public road network.

The development of the Agricultural Machine Order allows oversize and overmass agricultural machines to be moved on the public road network without a permit, subject to a list of restricted bridges. The Agricultural Combinations Order allows oversize and overmass agricultural combinations to be moved on the public road network without a permit, provided they do not cross any bridges. If a bridge needs to be crossed, the operator simply needs to obtain a bridge crossing permit.

It’s important you know the legal requirements, such as if you need to apply for a permit or are you covered by the extensive Main Roads Orders, and whether a pilot vehicle is needed to accompany the agricultural vehicle.

Further Information

To find out more download our handy print friendly quick links postcard from the Agricultural Vehicles page on our website at www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

Agriculturally Focussed #BiggerThanYou Campaign

Off the back of the success of its award winning #BiggerThanYou campaign, Main Roads hit the market again in the second half of 2021, this time focussing on what road users should do when approaching large, slow moving agricultural vehicles.

Feedback from industry and local farmers is, quite simply, that there are too many near misses due to driver inattention or frustration, or road users not driving to the conditions.

The agriculturally focussed campaign was released just prior to last year’s record harvest season, to coincide with the busy Summer tourist season, and included television and radio commercials, roadside billboards on key driving routes out of Perth, social media posts,

bumper stickers and an insert in Farm Weekly. Throughout December and January it also featured on more than 100 bus backs and sides across the Perth Metropolitan area.

Filmed on a local road in York last year, the television commercial provides a timely reminder to slow down, be patient and stay safe.

With further support from the transport and agricultural industries, Main Roads hopes to continue the heavy vehicle awareness campaign, winner of the 2021 WA Rural Media Award for Best Communications Campaign, to further educate road users on how to drive safely and interact with heavy vehicles on West Australian roads.

To find out more, or to download our campaign materials, visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/bigger-than-you

Article kindly provided by WA Main Roads.

With more-and-more vital services moving towards digital access, farms and agricultural businesses increasingly require the best possible, reliable internet connection.

Often one service is not enough, with connectivity required at multiple buildings on one property. Activ8me are experts in regional internet services, especially in ensuring farms have adequate connections to meet their needs.

The Australian-based team at Activ8me can add additional buildings to the nbn Service Registry in Wireless and Satellite areas, allowing for free installations of additional services on a single property (with a limit of one service per building).

Adding multiple services on each property means sheds, dongas, out-buildings, and worker accommodations can access different internet services, paid for by themselves or as part of one business account. Each service includes free standard installation and no cost for the nbn equipment.

Regional Fibre, Satellite and Wireless

Activ8me offers a wide selection of internet connections, depending on what nbn technology type is available in your area. Many Aussies don’t realise that the nbn is available where they live; with free installation and nbn equipment, even in the most isolated parts of the country.

No matter where your farm is, Activ8me has an internet service for you.

With free standard installation and no cost for the nbn hardware, there are no hefty charges to get multiple internet services installed by a qualified technician.

No matter how remote your location, qualified technicians are available to come to you.

Introducing Uncapped Video Streaming on Satellite before 4pm

Exciting changes to Activ8me’s Sky Muster PLUS plans finally offer satellite users uncapped access to ALL online activities until 4pm each day.

While nbn may shape traffic to slow speeds where required to ensure fair access to the network for all services, for the first time on satellite, users can access video streaming services (like Netflix, ABC iView and Kayo) as much as they want before 4pm without running out of data.

These changes make a HUGE difference to how much data services can use each month, in addition making schooling-from-home and running a farming business much more affordable.

While great for video streaming services, these changes also significantly impact business tools and IoT devices, which are becoming more prevalent in the agricultural industry.

Farms can now access remote monitoring devices, including video feeds from cameras or cloud-based platforms, each day until 4pm without potentially using up their monthly data allowance.

With many IoT tools operating through in-app VPN networks, farmers can use these services daily until 4pm without using their monthly data allowance.

The only activities that count towards the monthly data allowance are Video Streaming and VPN use from 4pm until Midnight (local time).

All Activ8me Sky Muster PLUS services automatically had these changes applied from 1 July 2022.

Sky Muster PLUS plans start from $49.95 per month, with no joining fees and on month-to-month contracts.

Changing over to Sky Muster PLUS from another provider is a simple and easy process, whether you’re on a standard Sky Muster plan or already on Sky Muster PLUS.

For full details on the new Sky Muster PLUS, visit Activ8me’s Sky Muster PLUS page or to see what services are available on your property.

Alternatively, call our Aussie-based team on 13 22 88 and let our team do the hard work for you.

Article kindly supplied by Activ8me.

The top three electrical safety risks on Queensland farms are contact with overhead powerlines, unsafe electrical equipment and not having safety switches installed.

Switchboards

An electrical switchboard, also known as a meter box or power box, is where the main electricity supply comes into your home or workshop. It splits electricity across different circuits, providing power to your lights, power points, oven and cooktop, refrigerator and hard-wired electrical equipment like your hot water system and air-conditioner.

Switchboards can be installed inside or outside of your home or workshop.

Inside your switchboard

• Meter – measures your energy use.
• Mains switch – turns the power on or off.
• Circuit breaker/fuse – protects electrical wiring overloading, reducing the risk of fire or damage. They do not protect you from electric shock.
• Safety switch – monitors the flow of electricity and turns off the power instantly when it detects an unsafe situation. They look similar to a circuit breaker but have a ‘Test’ or ‘T’ button.

Safety switches

Safety switches protect you from electric shock.

They work by continuously monitoring the flow of electricity and turn off the power instantly when an unsafe situation is detected.
You should have safety switches installed on every circuit to make your property as safe as possible.

Test your safety switches using the test button every three months.

Call a licensed electrician if:

• your switchboard still has rewireable fuses.
• you are unsure whether you have a safety switch installed on every circuit.
• any safety switch does not turn off instantly when the ‘Test’ or ‘T’ button is pushed.
• any safety switch appears to be faulty.

Shocks and tingles

Getting a shock or tingle from electrical equipment, taps or other metal fittings? Don’t ignore it—it’s a sign something’s not right that could seriously hurt you.

• If you get a shock from using or touching metal electrical appliances like a clothes dryer or toaster, or hard-wired equipment like a stove or air conditioning unit, stop using it immediately. Get it checked out by a licensed electrician.
• If you get a shock from a tap, pipe or other metal fitting, stop using it and call Ergon Energy, Energex, Essential Energy or Rio Tinto immediately and ask them to check your property. This is a free service.

Do not turn your power off as this could give you an electric shock.

Electrical appliances

• Only use them for what they’re meant for.
• Follow the safety instructions in the manual.
• Water and electricity don’t mix—don’t use them in or around water, like in the rain or the bath and don’t touch them with wet hands.
• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and servicing guidelines.
• Unplug them or turn off the power before cleaning or maintenance.
• If they’re broken, stop using them and throw them away or get them repaired.

If you’re a tenant, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to maintain hard-wired equipment and keep it safe (e.g. air-conditioners, solar PV systems and electric hot water systems).

Check it out before you plug it in

Check your electrical appliances before you plug them in—don’t use them if they are damaged.

Portable electrical equipment including extension leads and seasonal electrical equipment (like room heaters, electric blankets and Christmas lights) are especially prone to damage and causing fires.

Over time, all electrical equipment can become unsafe. Signs to look out for are:

• broken casings and cracked plastic covers
• changes in colour from overheating or moisture
• water damage
• frayed cords or damaged plugs
• damaged extension leads
• full or dirty lint filters.

Overhead powerlines, service lines and underground cables

Look up and Live.

Before you begin work outside your home, check for overhead powerlines and service lines (connected to your house), especially if you’re using machinery, long objects or ladders.

Keep away from overhead powerlines. If it’s damaged or falls to the ground, don’t touch it and contact Ergon Energy, Energex, Essential Energy or Rio Tinto.

Make sure there are no crops or trees planted under powerlines or around poles and their supporting stay wires. Don’t store or move irrigation pipes under overhead powerlines.

Don’t operate or park vehicles or equipment under overhead powerlines.

Contact your electricity distributor for advice on:

• electrical safety
• clearly marking power poles and their supporting stay wires on your property to avoid accidental damage
• ensuring private power poles on your property are maintained in good condition.

If you’re excavating or digging, make sure there aren’t any underground electrical cables before you start. Find out where they are located by calling the free Dial Before You Dig service and checking for underground cable danger signs or markers in the area.

For more information visit electricalsafety.qld.gov.au

Aluminium phosphide is a fumigant used to destroy pests in food storage areas. It is typically available as tablets, granules, dust or powder.

Dangers of aluminium phosphide

Aluminium phosphide has the potential to cause harm, even at low concentrations. Exposure to air or moisture generates phosphine gas, which is highly toxic.

Extreme care must be taken when handling and storing aluminium phosphide since even low exposure to this gas can adversely affect a person’s health and wellbeing. You can be severely or fatally poisoned from exposure to phosphine gas, especially within an enclosed space, such as the cabin of a vehicle.

Safety tips for transporting aluminium phosphide

Never transport aluminium phosphide in the same cabin space as people, animals or foodstuffs.

This fumigant should be transported on the back of a ute or truck or in a trailer, with the items well secured, and in an adequately ventilated container that is protected from the rain.

Filling elevated fuel tanks

Fill point connections must be installed and located either at ground level or from a compliant gantry and with minimal transfer hose length to ensure risks are minimised.

Pipework connecting an elevated tank to the fill point must be suitably engineered to prevent spills and leaks and have a sealed connection point, anti-syphoning system and a dry-break connection (or similar).

To eliminate associated risks you should have a readily accessible hose connection point with suitable spill containment at ground level.

Fill connection with manifold for filling multiple tanks

Tanks that are filled from a common fill point or have pipework for transfer in common must have an effective and reliable system in place that ensures no tank can exceed its safe fill level; and includes a completely separate system to prevent overfilling.

If a manually operated tank filling system is used then ensure individual tanks are filled sequentially by a suitably trained person using appropriate signage and procedures.

Resources

www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Dangerous-Goods

National Transport Commission Australian Dangerous Goods Code. www.ntc.gov.au

Article kindly supplied by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.