While pilots should always be aware of the location of the electricity network, landholders could also play a part in keeping those in the air safe.

The risk to pilots can be reduced by increasing the visibility of powerlines and other electrical infrastructure on properties and private land.

A Powerline Hazard Assessment for the Farm conducted by landholders in consultation with aerial operators can be quite useful to identify electrical infrastructure that may potentially be difficult to see from the air.

Essential Energy can install powerline markers for a cost in areas where low-level flying operations occur, at temporary landing strips or air bases for firefighting operations, and construction sites.

Customers wishing to order or enquire about powerline markers can complete the online form available at www.essentialenergy.com.au/overhead.

These markers not only assist those in the air but can also improve powerline visibility for those transporting high loads or operating farm machinery and equipment on the ground.

Aerial spraying, firefighting and mustering, as well as recreational pursuits like paragliding, hot air ballooning and the use of drones, can all be high-risk around overhead powerlines.

While pilots are urged to pre-plan their flights and identify the location of the overhead electricity network before taking off, changes in the landscape and weather conditions can affect the visibility of powerlines.

Safety is the responsibility of everyone; let’s reduce the risks of “wire strike” on the ground and in the air.

To report an incident involving an overhead powerline, call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80 or Triple Zero if the situation is life threatening. 

Steven Ilitch

Regional manager southern 

THE National Rural Health Alliance is inviting those passionate about improving the health and well-being of the seven million people living in rural and remote Australia to become a “friend” and help the it strengthen and promote its critical work.

The alliance is the peak non-government body for rural and remote health in Australia, and Friends of the Alliance is a pivotal network of people and organisations with an interest in rural health who support the work of the Alliance and provide valuable grassroots connections.

Friends plays a very important role.

Friends keeps us connected and informed at a local level and is valuable in helping us remain a strong, representative voice for rural and remote people.

They are well placed to harness the knowledge, capacity, influence and geographic reach of rural and remote Australia and to identify innovative solutions to rural and remote challenges.

It’s about local people – those passionate about rural and remote Australia – garnering local, regional and national support for desirable change, to improve the wellbeing and the life opportunities of so many who contribute so much to Australia.

For more information visit www.ruralhealth.org.au/friends.

David Butt

Chief executive officer

National Rural Health Alliance

Yay: To businesses in Leeton for their good customer service. Sometimes this can be hard to come by, but not in Leeton. 

Yay: To the Yanco markets last weekend. There is always something to do, see and spend my money on. A great event for Yanco every month.