Businesses in NSW will now be able to claim rebates from SafeWork NSW to purchase overhead powerline markers in a push to prevent dangerous incidents on NSW farms.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said there had been a significant increase in incidents involving overhead powerlines in the past 12 months – all at properties without markers.
“Farms are one of NSW’s most dangerous workplaces, and what we’re seeing is more and more incidents where augers, trucks and low flying planes have hit electrical powerlines,” Mr Singh said.
“This can be incredibly dangerous for farmers and their workers, which is why I encourage every Coffs Coast farmer to install overhead markers on their properties.
“This is about improving on-farm safety and creating a safer and stronger regional NSW.”
After completing an eligible workshop, webinar, virtual farm safety experience or advisory visit from SafeWork NSW, landholders can apply for a $500 small business rebate towards the cost of the markers. Essential Energy has committed to offering free labour to install up to 10 markers on each property.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall welcomed this much-needed support for NSW farmers.
“These rebates are a great reason for farmers to stop and take time to think about safety right across their operations,” Mr Marshall said.
“With a $500 rebate and free expert installation by Essential Energy, we want every eligible farmer to take advantage of this initiative and make their workplace safer. As we are on the road to recovery from drought, the NSW Government is supporting our primary industries to be stronger and safer than ever.”
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the rebates were just one strategy the NSW Government was undertaking to improve safety on farms, with SafeWork’s Quad Bike Safety Rebate Program also receiving an extra $2.8 million investment.
“Contributions made by NSW farmers investing in quad bike safety improvements under the NSW Quad Bike Rebate Program have now exceeded $50 million,” Mr Anderson said.
“While most of this funding has been used to upgrade to safer side-by-side vehicles, 1000 operator protector devices (roll bars) have been installed on quad bikes and 99 farmers have purchased drones as alternatives to quad bike use.”
For more information on rebates from SafeWork NSW, visit https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/advice-and-resources/rebate-programs.
