Transgrid will be deploying a helicopter across the Riverina Murray this month to inspect the 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 summer.
Between February and September every year, specialist teams inspect transmission lines and infrastructure on Transgrid’s 13,000km network to help identify any vegetation encroachments and maintenance issues.
The biggest day during the Riverina inspections will cover 450km of transmission line that covers 1080 transmission line towers.
The helicopter will safely fly above transmission lines at about 50km per hour, with a Transgrid linesman accompanying a pilot and a monitor on an Airbus Single Engine AS350 FX2.
Weather permitting, Transgrid inspections will take place from now until June 21.
Inspection areas include Deniliquin, Finley, Albury, Balranald, Coleambally, Darlington Point, Griffith, Narrandera, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga and Yanco.
The schedule is subject to change. For more information, call toll free on 1800 222 537 or go to https://www.transgrid.com.au/customers-community/community-safety/managing-bush-fire-risk.