The sound of a helicopter buzzing overhead has been a common one over Newcastle and Lake Macquarie over the past few weeks.
The good news is there’s nothing sinister going on. It’s Ausgrid’s helicopter crews inspecting the electricity network for potential hazards ahead of the next bushfire season.
Ausgrid says it’s the safest way to check high-voltage powerlines and some patrols are also being used to help map private poles and overhead powerlines and identify any potential risks on this part of the network.
The black and white helicopters fly at about 15 kilometres per hour over urban areas and have been modified to allow for the quietest operation possible.
Helicopter crews will be in the Newcastle area for another week and will then move further up the Hunter Valley.
When will the work begin on overhanging trees in Maryville that pose a fire danger?
Wonder when AusGrid is going to start using Drones to check the electricity network?
They’re quieter, cost far less to operate that a helicopter (& crew) & can navigate into tighter spots too.
Drone technology is moving with leaps & bounds, so hopefully in the next few years AusGrid jumps on board