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The NSW government is offering subsidies for farmers to buy agricultural drones as a means of improving safety.
Agricultural drones are among the technologies that now qualify for financial assistance under the Safe Work NSW Small Business Rebate, to encourage their use as an alternative to high-risk farm equipment like quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles.
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“The Minns Labor Government is investing in safer farms by offering eligible small businesses a rebate of up to $1000 to help purchase safety items like agricultural drones,” NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, said.
“This is a chance for farmers and agricultural workers to discover how practical, easy-to-use tech solutions like agricultural drones and mobile connectivity can help make farming safer and more productive.
“I would like to thank the NSW Farmers Association for their ongoing advocacy and suggestions in relation to farm safety and remain committed to working together to further help identify safety measures to assist the farming community.”
Drone technology has a number of uses in agriculture, including inspecting and spraying crops, livestock mustering, fence monitoring, and checking water points.
Traditionally, many of these tasks would be performed on vehicles like quad bikes and SSVs; however, these vehicles can be dangerous, with quad bikes linked to 63 deaths and SSVs 21 deaths in NSW since 2011, including children.
According to Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, drones represent “a safer, smarter, and more efficient way to monitor crops, water, fences, and livestock”.
“Too often we hear of families losing a father, mother, brother or son as a result of a farming accident. This is about helping make sure everyone on the land gets home after a long day’s work,” she said.
“We encourage everyone working the land to take every precaution when it comes to keeping their farm safe.”
Other safety technologies that qualify under the scheme include approved operator protective devices for quad bike safety, compliant helmets for quad bike and side-by-side vehicle operators, and two-way radios for remote work.
SafeWork NSW has provided $813,000 in total funding for agricultural safety devices since March 2023, and its commissioner, Janet Schorer, said it is “proud to lead the way in showcasing practical technologies that can improve safety and productivity across the agricultural sector”.
“Tragically, we have seen far too many families and communities continue to endure the profound and lasting impact of preventable incidents on farms.”
“That’s why SafeWork NSW remains deeply committed to working alongside farmers and industry leaders to proactively identify and address the risks they are facing each day to ensure safer workplaces and stronger rural communities.”
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