Secure your water systems now to protect your property and livestock when it matters most.

The heat is on, and for farmers across Australia, late spring is the final window for crucial fire preparation. When a fire threat emerges, the most critical asset you have is your water supply. Don't wait until the fire ban season is active to audit your infrastructure; a bit of work now guarantees safety and resilience.

Here is the essential five-point checklist to secure your property's water infrastructure. We are farmers, so we know that every drop and every minute counts.

1. Audit Your Water Storage Capacity

Can your property run for a week on stored water alone? In the event of a fire or pump failure, the water you have sealed in a tank is your last line of defence.

The Goal: Ensure you have enough accessible water for both firefighting and essential domestic/livestock needs.

The Check: Inspect all tanks for leaks, cracks, and secure lids (to stop contamination and evaporation).

The Upgrade: If you rely on dams or open troughs, consider moving critical storage to large-capacity poly or steel tanks. They keep the water sealed, cool, and immediately accessible.

🛒 Essential Gear: Large-Capacity Rainwater Tanks (for secure, sealed storage).

2. Check and Upgrade Your Pipelines

Poly pipe is tough, but years of sun exposure and heavy vehicle traffic can cause stress fractures or leaks you may not notice until pressure drops critically.

The Goal: Ensure every metre of pipe running across your property is leak-free and built for high pressure.

The Check: Walk your water lines. Listen for leaks and inspect all visible joins and fittings. A small leak now could mean a massive failure during an emergency.

The Upgrade: If you are planning a large infrastructure project, contact us. We manufacture our poly pipe in the Northern Territory and provide planning support for robust, long-lasting systems.

📞 Action for Projects: Call us to discuss your major infrastructure and poly pipe requirements.

3. Test Your Firefighting Pump

Your pump is the engine of your fire defence. If it doesn't start on the first pull, it's useless.

The Goal: Guarantee immediate pressure when you need it most.

The Check: Run your dedicated fire pump. Check the fuel, test the prime, and ensure the hose is kink-free and connected. Replace any cracked or worn hose immediately.

The Gear: For spot fires and embers, every homestead and shed should have an immediate response tool. The Matabi Fire Fighter knapsack is purpose-built for ember suppression and burn-off management, offering high capacity and a long-range lance.

🛒 Essential Gear: Matabi Fire Fighter (for rapid ember/spot fire suppression).

4. Secure Water Access Points

In a fire scenario, access is everything. Fire crews need quick, obvious, and reliable access to your stored water.

The Goal: Ensure your water is easily accessible to emergency services or your own crews.

The Check: Are your fill points visible? Is the water source easily accessed by a tanker? Are pumps secured but easy to start?

The Upgrade: Install standpipes or quick-connect fittings on large tanks to allow immediate connection, and ensure water flow to troughs is reliable so stock can quickly access water in a contained area.

5. Get Ahead of Rodents and Pests

While not directly fire-related, pests like rats and mice can destroy critical electrical wiring, pump controls, and irrigation lines, leading to system failure during peak heat stress.

The Goal: Protect pump sheds, workshops, and feed storage areas from pest damage.

The Action: Implement a strong rodent control program now, before the population peaks. Use durable bait stations in key areas and check them regularly.

🛒 Essential Gear: Rodent Control Supplies (to protect your vital electrical and infrastructure assets).

Don't leave your property's safety to chance this season. Get your audit done, and let us help you find the tough, reliable gear you need.

📞 Call us on (07) 4588 6789

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