A thermal night operation is a straightforward process for most rural properties, but a little preparation beforehand makes a significant difference to how smoothly things go. Here’s what we ask landholders to have ready before an operation.
Gate Access Information
We need to be able to move around the property at night without delays. This means:
- Padlock combinations or key locations for all internal gates
- Any locked road gates or grid combinations on access roads leading to the property
- Information about any gates that need to be opened or closed in a specific sequence (e.g., to contain livestock)
If possible, a simple property map showing gate locations and key paddock boundaries is very helpful, particularly on larger or more complex properties.
Livestock Locations
We need to know where livestock are held each night of the operation so we can avoid those areas or approach with particular care. Tell us:
- Which paddocks or areas hold cattle, horses, sheep or other large livestock
- Whether livestock are in a fixed location for the full operation or may be moved between nights
- Any areas with working dogs, guard dogs or other animals that should not be disturbed
Known Hazards
Night operations involve vehicle movement across unfamiliar ground. Flag any known hazards for us:
- Low overhead infrastructure (power lines, irrigation overhead mains)
- Soft ground, boggy areas, creek crossings that may not hold a vehicle after rain
- Open excavations, culvert ends or dam spillways
- Any areas where there is recent or historic subsidence
Landholder Authority
Before we can operate on your property, we need written landholder authority. Our online booking form captures this as part of the submission process — simply completing the form constitutes the authority we need. We retain this record as part of the operation documentation.
Contact Arrangements on the Night
We’ll confirm a mobile contact number for the night. You don’t need to be present during the operation — most landholders prefer not to be, and we operate independently. However, we do need a way to reach you if something unexpected comes up, particularly on the first night on an unfamiliar property.
That’s It
You don’t need to do anything special to the property before we arrive. We don’t need bait laid out, animals mustered or any other preparation beyond what’s listed above. Submit your booking through our booking form and we’ll confirm all the above details in advance of the scheduled operation.