The State Government will be inspecting the Goldfields Pipeline in WA with the use of cutting edge aerial technology.
Acting WA Water Minister, Terry Redman said Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) would be used to perform a visual inspection of the Goldfields Pipeline – enabling up to 10 kilometres of pipe to be inspected in a matter of minutes.
“This is truly bringing the old world and new world together – using advanced technology to inspect a 112 year old site,” Minister Redman said.
“Using UAVs means initial visual inspections of pipelines can be carried out in a more efficient and cost effective way.
“An operator can fly the UAV at 60 kilometres an hour to inspect both sides of a pipeline, capturing high resolution images of its condition.
“Any indicators captured in this initial visual inspection, such as rust stains and corrosion, are then further assessed and used to prioritise sections of the pipeline for repair.
Water Corporation will use UAVs to inspect around 260 kilometres of pipeline in the Goldfields region throughout June, including pipelines around Bullabulling, Kalgoorlie, Korarawalyee, Ghooli, Dedari, Southern Cross, Merredin, Chidlow and Meckering.
The original 557 kilometre long Goldfields Pipeline was built by CY O’Connor in 1903 to transport water from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie.
At first it only supplied the towns of Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie but over the years was extended to cover vast areas of agricultural farmland and the Eastern Goldfields.
Water Corporation has prepared comprehensive assessments to protect and respect the privacy of those who live near the areas of the pipeline which will be photographed using the UAV.
