August 25, 2014
Ergon Energy today began its annual helicopter patrols of power lines in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.
Spokesman Nick Grant said the flights were part of routine inspections to check on the condition of the main high-voltage feeder lines and also on any vegetation management requirements.
The patrols will begin around Bundaberg today, before covering the Fraser Coast, North and South Burnett regions during the next fortnight.
“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.
Mr Grant said chopper inspections could achieve in a few hours what ground and foot patrols would take weeks to do.
“The chopper will fly quite low over the lines, but the pilot will take care wherever possible to avoid disturbing livestock,” he said.
