To ensure the safe operation of its transmission network, Transgrid has launched its comprehensive annual bushfire prevention program, including helicopter inspections and 3D laser scanning.
To safeguard its assets in the lead up to summer 2025–25, LiDAR inspections by plane are underway across parts of Transgrid’s network and will wrap up in March 2025, with helicopter inspections to follow in coming months.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Network, Marie Jordan, said, “Our priority is to protect the safety of landowners, communities and our people and we take the risk of bushfires very seriously and do everything we can to reduce potential risks.
“Transgrid’s network includes more than 13,000km of transmission lines – the equivalent of travelling from Sydney to Perth four times – and we inspect it every year to ensure a high level of preparedness ahead of the summer bushfire season.
“Every year our team plans this program carefully so we can ensure it is as effective as possible to reduce bushfire risk and potential impacts to local communities.”
The 2025 bushfire prevention program runs until September 2025 and includes:
- A 3D laser aerial survey of easements across the entire network using LiDAR technology to identify vegetation growing too close to transmission lines
- Helicopter inspections to physically assess the condition of structures and lines
- On-the-ground teams carrying out network maintenance and addressing potential vegetation encroachments to reduce bushfire risks
Between May and September 2025, specialist helicopter crews will inspect transmission lines across New South Wales.
“Our transmission lines have been safely operating for decades, and we are committed to ensuring they continue to do so for many years to come as they are a critical piece of the clean energy transition,” Ms Jordan said.
“The comprehensive inspections help identify any potential bushfire risks such as vegetation encroachments and assess the condition of towers and transmission lines.
“This year we will have two helicopters in the air at the same time in the Wagga and Yass areas and in Sydney and Newcastle to enable us to complete inspections faster.
“Using two helicopters across these regions will allow us to expedite this year’s program so we can send in on-the-ground teams sooner to carry out any necessary vegetation management to maintain our easement corridors and tower and line maintenance before the start of the next bushfire season.”
For more information about Transgrid’s bushfire prevention measures and helicopter inspections visit www.transgrid.com.au/safety/managing-bush-fire-risk
