July 24, 2013
Ergon Energy will begin its annual helicopter patrols of power lines in the Wide Bay-Burnett region tomorrow (July 25).
General Manager Service Delivery Paul Jordon said the flights were part of a routine inspection process Ergon Energy had in place to check on the condition of the main high-voltage feeder lines and also on any vegetation management requirements.
The inspections will begin around Bundaberg and then progressively head towards Maryborough, then out to Mundubbera before finishing in the Murgon and Kingaroy areas on August 8.
“The flights will take place between 7:30am and 5:00pm on week days but the exact routes flown each day will depend on prevailing weather conditions,” he said.
“The aim is to identify areas where vegetation needs to be trimmed, especially as we are approaching the bushfire and storm seasons.
“The inspection will also note other problems, such as damage to poles, cross-arms, wires and insulators, that need attention.”
Mr Jordon said chopper inspections could achieve in a few hours what ground and foot patrols would take weeks to get through.
“The chopper will fly quite low over the lines but the pilot will take care wherever possible to avoid disturbing livestock,” he said.
