Powercor has begun its aerial inspection of powerlines in western Victoria, dispatching a helicopter over Ararat this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Powercor spokesperson said the helicopter flights began over the Ararat area on Monday and will continue through until early next week, depending on weather.
Powercor announced late last month that it would begin helicopter inspections near Ararat in an effort to prevent bushfires.
The inspections will continue until April, with thousands of powerlines to be surveyed across Hamilton, Horsham, Mildura, Warrnambool, Swan Hill and Ouyen regions.
The Bell 206 helicopters fly about 250-500 metres above powerlines and, using state-of-the-art helicopter survey equipment, capture images of the assets.
The flights will take place during daylight hours.
Vegetation Manager Wayne Evans said the Light Detection and Ranging Measurement (LiDAR) survey involved using a laser measuring unit mounted on a helicopter to measure the distances between power lines and surrounding vegetation.
“The images will then be sent back to specialist teams that will analyse them and determine what vegetation will need to be removed this year to ensure our network remains safe and is compliant with regulations,” Mr Evans said.
“This is work to get us ready for next fire season, however the images will also allow us to detect if there is any urgent work that needs to occur immediately.”
If residents have any questions or concerns, they can contact Powercor on 13 22 06
Flight schedule (weather permitting)
Late February/early March
- Cobden,
- Warrnambool,
- Terang,
- Koroit,
- Portland,
- Hamilton,
- Ararat
March/early April
- Charam,
- Horsham,
- Stawell,
- Nhill,
- Charlton,
- Ouyen,
- Redcliffs,
- Merbein,
- Mildura,
- Robinvale,
- Boundary Bend,
- Swan Hill,
- Kerang,
- Cohuna