Power line rights overlooked

"At this time of year maintenance activity increases on power lines, and the Federation is finding that some farmers are being approached by lines companies for easements to help development across their properties, which is triggering a number of concerns for landowners," says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Electricity spokesperson.

"We have been receiving calls to Federated Farmers' advice line about electricity and distribution lines over farms. What is not being addressed is that these assets belong to someone else and can give rise to many farm management concerns.

"It is important that farmers feel some comfort by having a role in the process from the start. Farmers are becoming increasingly vigilant around access to their properties, and the impact of electricity lines is becoming more significant as farm businesses develop around them.

"An important component of Federated Farmers' work is providing members with advice and guidance and clarifying their rights and obligations around access to the electricity lines. To do this we have produced a series of fact sheets on access rights, upgrades, easements and the role of the public works act in developing new lines.

"These fact sheets provide answers to the major questions asked by members and offer some certainty as to the facts and rules related to electricity lines. I would encourage farmers with lines on their land to obtain copies to avoid any unnecessary confusion," says Leferink.