Move FM Regional news

KATOOMBA, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia – People in the Blue Mountains region can expect to see helicopters surveying powerlines in the coming weeks as Endeavour Energy is taking to the skies to check for potential bushfire hazards around its network.

“Managing the risk of bushfires is an important part of keeping customers and the community safe,” Endeavour Energy’s General Manager Network Services Scott Ryan said Sunday.

“We are starting our inspections to identify defects and complete repairs before the official start of the bushfire season on 1 October.”

“These patrols identify where repairs to equipment are required or trees need to be cut back a safe distance from powerlines to help prevent bushfires started by powerlines,” Ryan said.

In addition to starting earlier, the Endeavour Energy executive said his company was using four helicopters to complete inspections in a timely manner.

“The survey is completed using light detection and ranging technology and we limit data capture to only images of our network to protect people’s privacy,” he said.

“By completing the patrols in this way, we can complete a more thorough inspection of the hardware at the top of poles and inspect areas inaccessible to vehicles.”

Mr Ryan said Endeavour Energy had employed measures to minimise the impact of the helicopter patrols on customers and the community.

“The helicopters have been modified to be as quiet as possible and will fly between 200 and 400 metres above the ground at a speed of about 40 kilometres per hour,” he said.

“Farmers, animal breeders and other customers potentially affected by the noise can receive advance notice of our patrols over their properties.”

“Anyone who would like prior notification of when helicopters will be near their property can contact us on 133 718. These customers will be added to our database of customers collated over past years who are contacted ahead of the patrols being flown,” Ryan added.

More information about when and where helicopter patrols will be undertaken is available on the the company’s website.