Safety, Health & Access Compliance Notice
(Mandatory – Insurance, Inspections & Care Requirements)
Please be aware that a new Airbnb has been established on the neighbouring property, resulting in increased inspections and compliance checks in the area.
In addition, my mother is now receiving government-funded in-home support, with support workers entering the property daily.
Because of this, we must maintain strict safety, access, health, and privacy standards at all times, not only during inspections.
Any non-compliance may impact insurance coverage, government services, and the ability for people to stay on the property.
Privacy & Health – House Area (Restricted)
-
Please respect the area directly around the house.
-
Do not enter or use the house area at this time.
-
This area is private and restricted due to health reasons.
-
My mother is currently unwell, and disturbance must be kept to a minimum.
-
Access is strictly limited to:
-
authorised support workers
-
emergency services
-
the owner
-
Gates, Access & Emergency Routes
- No gate may be blocked at any time.
- All internal access gates must be kept open and freely accessible at all times.
- Internal gates may only be temporarily closed with the owner’s permission.
- Internal gates may only be closed for controlled animal grazing and only with prior owner approval.
- If there is any issue requiring a gate to be blocked, you must contact the owner first and receive approval.
- Gates are critical for emergency access, support workers, inspections, and animal safety.
Parking & Access
-
Vehicles must only be parked in designated parking areas.
-
Firebreaks, access roads, and working areas must never be blocked.
-
The area around the horse float must always remain clear.
-
Access must remain clear for support workers, emergency services, and inspections.
Electrical Safety
-
No power cables may be left lying around.
-
No connectors, joins, or extension leads may remain connected.
-
All power cables and connectors must be removed immediately after a project is completed.
-
Temporary power setups are short-term only and must never be left unattended.
Animal Safety
-
Dogs must not be loose at any time.
-
All dogs must be leashed or securely contained in their designated area.
-
No animals are permitted to roam freely.
-
This is essential to prevent injury, interference with support workers, wildlife incidents, and insurance breaches.
Construction & New Areas
-
Any new construction areas, temporary structures, or project zones must be:
-
clearly defined
-
kept tidy and hazard-free at all times
-
-
Construction must not interfere with:
-
firebreaks
-
emergency access
-
support worker access
-
animal pathways or enclosures
-
-
All materials, tools, and equipment must be secured or removed at the end of each day.
Fire & Emergency Compliance
-
Emergency access routes must remain clear at all times.
-
Any obstruction represents a serious fire, safety, and insurance risk.
Non-compliance may result in immediate removal of equipment, termination of projects, or removal from the property.
These rules are mandatory and protect:
-
residents and visitors
-
animals
-
support workers
-
insurance coverage
-
government compliance
Hygiene & biosecurity
-
No outside shoes indoors. Never enter the house with outdoor shoes.
-
Indoor footwear only. Wash your feet or wear clean, disinfected indoor shoes kept in the bathroom.
-
Hand hygiene. Always disinfect hands before and after handling any animals.
-
For details, see the next sections: Indoor Cleaning and Outdoor Cleaning.
Indoor Cleaning – Animal Areas
Cleanliness & Enclosure Care
-
Keep your space tidy. Wipe spills immediately and remove waste promptly.
-
Spot clean: Use detergent or vinegar solution
-
Floors: Mop with detergent or vinegar solution; wash the mop under running water often and let surfaces dry.
-
Finish up: Empty bins, rinse tools, and return cleaning items to their place.
Outdoor cleaning & water hygiene
-
Verandah: Hose the verandah from both sides (there’s a hose on each side of the house).
When you’re done, switch the taps off. -
Animal areas: Keep pens/runs hygienic—remove waste, rake, and rinse as needed.
-
Water bowls: Empty, scrub, and refill with fresh water; check for slime/algae.
Replace water immediately if dirty, warm, or contaminated. -
Frequency: Repeat several times a day—whenever an area or bowl is dirty.
⚠️ Storm and Lightning Safety Warning ⚠️
At Berry Springs Farm Stay, the beauty of Northern Territory storms comes with inherent risks. During lightning storms:
- Seek Shelter: Avoid open spaces, tall trees, and metal objects. Stay indoors or in a safe structure.
- Stay Away from Water: Do not swim or stay near pools, ponds, or other water sources during a storm.
- Unplug Electronics: Protect your devices by unplugging them during severe weather.
- Follow Local Updates: Monitor weather alerts and updates for your safety.
Your storm safety is our top priority. Always exercise caution during storms and report any emergencies immediately. If in doubt, please contact the host or long term caretaker for guidance. ️
Wear appropriate shoes and clothes
On your own risk: Interacting with wildlife or walking barefoot is at your own risk—and walking barefoot is not permitted. Keep outdoor shoes outside and use indoor-only footwear inside.
Don’t enter areas which are not yours
Property access: Do not enter other rooms, verandahs, other people’s areas, or any restricted/private areas of the property (e.g., unassigned accommodation, sheds, storage rooms, signed/cordoned zones). Ask first if unsure.
Animal handling: Please do not touch or cuddle animals through fences. Limbs can get stuck and cause serious injury or death, and pushing on fencing can damage enclosures and harm animals. For everyone’s safety, enter enclosures only with the owner’s permission and supervision.
Predator safety: Snakes, wild cats, and dingoes are a real threat, and we’ve sadly lost animals before. That’s why most animals are locked in secure night enclosures, then released to their day areas each morning. You’re welcome to help us improve and maintain these night enclosures—your support directly protects our animals.
Please be aware our animals are kept in snake-proof enclosures at night to prevent bites and other harm. Do not open or reach into these enclosures—if you have concerns, contact the owner or on-duty caretaker.
General dog policy: Do not approach or attempt to pet any dog on the property, including caretakers’ visiting dogs—they don’t know you and may react defensively. Do not reach through fences or gates, feed, or enter dog areas. If interaction is necessary, ask the owner for an introduction, and report any loose or agitated dog immediately.
Please be aware that you cannot use anything what is causing fumes or smells like sprays, mosquito repellents, candles, cleaning products besides dish detergent or vinegar in or around the owners house, or smoke close to the house, as these substances are poisonous to our parrot. Additionally, never feed or touch the parrots unless the owners have given you specific instructions on how to care for them. Your caution ensures the health and safety of our feathered friends! Find out what is toxic for parrots!