Solving agricultural access challenges in network maintenance
15 June 2026At a glance
DM led stakeholder engagement with the landowner, carried out detailed site assessments, and developed tailored biosecurity protocols.
Access to the site was refused by the landowner for essential mast maintenance, primarily due to concerns around biosecurity risks and the safety of livestock on the agricultural land.
Through expert-led engagement and the provision of clear, credible documentation, we established a robust and defensible foundation for next steps, enabling informed decision-making and progress toward resolving the access issue.
The landowner had been blocking access to a telecommunications mast on their agricultural land for several years due to concerns about livestock health, biosecurity and previous contractor experiences.Â
Without entry, essential maintenance could not proceed, creating a growing operational challenge for our client.
Dalcour Maclaren’s role:
- Engaged directly with the landowner to understand farm operations, livestock schedules and biosecurity concerns.
- Conducted detailed site assessments to map practical risks and operational requirements.
- Developed a site-specific biosecurity access protocol aligned with government best practice.
- Maintained thorough records of all engagement, observations and proposed mitigations.
- Provided the client with factual evidence to support next steps, including potential legal proceedings.
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THE DM DIFFERENCE
We challenge
Access had been blocked for a number of years, following past experiences that made the landowner cautious. Protecting livestock during sensitive periods, preventing disease transmission and maintaining strict biosecurity were all key concerns, creating a sensitive access situation.
Our Agricultural Liaison Officers (ALOs) spent time on-site with the landowner, observing operations and using their expertise to understand these concerns and how they affected the day-to-day running of the farm. Taking a practical, on-the-ground approach, they developed a clear understanding of what would be needed before access could be considered.
We care
With this understanding in place, the ALOs engaged the landowner in constructive discussion, taking time to build trust and explore potential solutions. They maintained open dialogue and clear communication, ensuring the landowner felt heard while also clarifying the client’s operational requirements.
This approach helped shape a potential access plan that reflected both perspectives, demonstrating a genuine commitment to collaboration.
We innovate
Building on insights from our dialogue with the landowner, the team developed a practical, site-specific biosecurity protocol. This ensured that any future access could be carried out safely and responsibly, addressing the landowner’s concerns while also supporting the client’s operational needs.
Key measures included:
- Vehicle cleansing and disinfection
- PPE and hygiene requirements
- Controlled access routes
- Steps to minimise stress or disturbance to livestock
- Specialist supervision during contractor visits
Supporting a clear path forward
While voluntary access was ultimately not granted, the work undertaken ensured that every reasonable step had been explored to seek a collaborative solution. The client was left with a clear, balanced record of engagement, providing:
- A comprehensive and credible account of interactions
- Clear evidence of a fair and collaborative approach
- Reduced operational and reputational risk
- Confidence to proceed through the appropriate legal channels
By combining technical expertise, careful documentation and a considered approach to engagement, we gave the client a robust foundation to progress in a way that was transparent, proportionate and professionally supported.
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