Ausgrid’s annual bushfire prevention program has commenced across the Upper Hunter, with helicopter and drone patrols inspecting the network to check for, and assess, any damage that could increase the risk of bushfires.
Specialist crews will inspect powerlines, pole tops and vegetation across the network, and will contact relevant property owners whose private power poles also require maintenance. As a part of this program, residents may notice low flying helicopters, drones, or specialised vehicles between now and June across the Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney.
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Ausgrid asset management executive general manager Junayd Hollis said bushfire prevention played a critical role in keeping customers and the network safe in the warmer months.
“Ausgrid’s summer readiness plan is in place to reduce the risk of bushfires impacting the community and our network assets,” Hollis said.
“The aerial patrols use cutting-edge LiDAR technology and high-resolution photography to identify potential hazards on our poles and wires, as well as vegetation growing too close to powerlines, so it can be addressed prior to the start of bushfire season.
“We recognise that these low flying patrols may disturb livestock particularly in rural areas so recommend property owners check the flight schedules on our website.”
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When weather permits, crews will be in the air no earlier than one hour after sunrise and no later than one hour before sunset. Ausgrid’s network covers an area of more than 22,000 square kilometres across Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter, from Waterfall in the South, west to Auburn and just north of Scone.
