Transgrid Will Deploy Aerial Technology in Newcastle/Hunter to Bolster Bushfire Prevention Efforts

newy.com.au – Transgrid has kicked off its annual bushfire prevention program, leveraging cutting-edge aerial inspections and advanced 3D laser scanning to safeguard communities ahead of the next fire season. The initiative aims to ensure the safe operation of the electricity transmission network, reducing the risk of bushfire-related incidents.

As part of the program, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) inspections are currently being conducted by plane across key areas of the network and will conclude by March. This will be followed by a series of helicopter inspections scheduled over the coming months.

Marie Jordan, Transgrid’s Executive General Manager of Network, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to safety, stating, “Our priority is to protect landowners, communities, and our people. We take the risk of bushfires very seriously and proactively work to mitigate potential hazards.”

Transgrid’s network spans over 13,000 kilometres of transmission lines—comparable to travelling from Sydney to Perth four times over. Each year, the network undergoes rigorous inspection and maintenance to ensure it remains in top condition for the summer bushfire season.

The 2025 bushfire prevention program, running until September, includes:

• 3D LiDAR surveys to detect vegetation encroachment near transmission lines.
• Helicopter inspections to assess the structural integrity of towers and lines.
• On-the-ground maintenance teams clearing vegetation and carrying out essential repairs.
• Specialist helicopter crews will conduct inspections across various regions between May and September. This year, Transgrid has deployed two helicopters simultaneously in key locations, including Wagga, Yass, Sydney, and Newcastle, to expedite assessments and accelerate ground maintenance efforts.

“These inspections help us detect any potential fire risks, such as overgrown vegetation near power infrastructure,” Ms Jordan said. “By using two helicopters in critical areas, we can complete inspections faster and send maintenance teams in sooner to address any issues before the bushfire season begins.”

The aerial inspection schedule subject to weather conditions:
Newcastle and Hunter: 12–17 June