A Transgrid helicopter will take to the skies across the Riverina-Murray, Sunraysia and Far West regions from this week to inspect high-voltage electricity transmission lines for the network’s annual bushfire prevention program.

The comprehensive inspections help identify any potential bushfire risks and assess the condition of towers and transmission lines to ensure the safe operation of the network in the lead-up to next summer.

General Manager of Asset Management, Lance Wee, said “Transgrid takes the risk of bushfires very seriously and the safety of our people, landowners and communities around our network is our first priority.

“We are committing significant resources to inspect the network and carry out any necessary vegetation management and maintenance work to reduce the risk of bushfires in the lead-up to the 2024- 25 summer period.”

Between February and September, specialist teams will inspect transmission lines and infrastructure on Transgrid’s 13,000km network to help identify any vegetation encroachments and maintenance issues.

“People may see the helicopter flying along transmission lines so crews can inspect them and take photos to help identify any potential issues so we can proactively respond to addressing any bushfire risks,” Mr Wee said.

“We’d like to thank the community for their patience and understanding as we carry out these critical inspections to keep everyone safe.”

The helicopter will fly above transmission lines at about 50 kilometres per hour.

Weather permitting, Transgrid will inspect transmission lines in or near the following areas from March 15-25:

• Riverina-Murray: Khancoban, Tumut, Blowering Dam, Talbingo, Cabramurra, Geehi, Gadara, Jindera, Lake Hume Village, Albury, Lavington, Ettamogah, Wagga Wagga, Uranquinty, Narrandera, Yanco, Griffith, Darlington Point, Coleambally, Deniliquin, Finely, and Balranald. The schedule is subject to change.

For more information, contact Transgrid’s toll-free hotline on 1800 222 537 or visit https://www.transgrid.com.au/customers-community/community-safety/managingbush-fire-risk

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 14 March 2024.