Helicopter patrols set to inspect parts of Southern, Central and Northern Queensland in coming months will help Powerlink Queensland maintain a safe and reliable power supply to five million Queenslanders.
Chief Operating Officer Gary Edwards said the bird’s eye view inspections were essential to Powerlink’s ongoing maintenance program across Queensland.
“Helicopter inspections are an efficient and cost-effective way of monitoring vegetation growth along our transmission line easements and checking our infrastructure for any maintenance issues,” Mr Edwards said.
“Our aim is to be as quick and non-disruptive as we can when completing these inspections as we want to minimise any potential disturbance to local residents near our transmission lines while this essential work is carried out. We appreciate their cooperation and patience.”
Inspections will take place from July to September (weather permitting) across Queensland where our transmission network is located.
Mr Edwards said during the aerial inspections, the specialist helicopter pilot and team would endeavour to maintain the maximum distance practically possible from houses, livestock and crops.
“Local residents may see the helicopter moving relatively quickly and at a low level along our transmission lines, and in some instances, it may need to hover to enable closer inspection of the lines,” he said.
Mr Edwards said Powerlink was aware that low-flying helicopters had the potential to startle livestock and encouraged anyone with questions about the patrols and the planned timing to contact Powerlink for further information.
Further information can be obtained by phoning FREECALL 1800 635 369 (during business hours) or visit www.powerlink.com.au/helicopter-activities.
CURRENT HELICOPTER INSPECTIONS
Northern Queensland
Alice River, Alligator Creek, Basilisk, Bayview Heights, Birkalla, Black River, Camp Creek, Clare, Coorumba, East Feluga, El Arish, Feluga, Giru, Gumlow, Julago, Kelso, Koah, Lamb Range, Majors Creek, Maria Creeks, Mena Creek, Millaroo, Mount Coolon, Mount Elliot, Mount Sheridan, Mount Stuart, Mundoo, Osborne, Pinnacles, Roseneath, Silkwood, Silky Oak, South Johnstone, Toomulla, Tully and Woodstock.
Central Queensland
Alton Downs, Blackwater, Bouldercombe, Bracewell, Duaringa, Eton, Glenella, Gogango, Gracemere, Greenmount (Mackay), Homebush, Kabra, Koumala, Mackenzie River, Moranbah, Mount Britton, Mount Coolon, Nebo, North Eton, Oakenden, Pleystowe, South Trees, Stanage, Stanwell, Tieri, Valkyrie, Victoria Plains, West Mackay and Yarwun.
Southern Queensland
Benarkin North, Brigalow, Cashmere, Cedar Creek (Moreton Bay - Qld), Clear Mountain, Closeburn, Cooranga, Crossdale, Crows Nest, Draper, Ducklo, Ellesmere, Emu Creek, England Creek, Hampton, Harlin, Hazeldean, Highvale, Ironpot, Kholo, King Scrub, Kogan, Kumbia, Kurwongbah, Linville, Maidenwell, Moore, Mount Crosby, Mount Mee, Mount Pleasant, Muirlea, Murphys Creek, Ocean View, Pierces Creek, Samford Valley, Somerset Dam, South Nanango, Taromeo, Villeneuve, Warner, Warra, Whiteside, Wivenhoe Pocket, Yarraman and Yugar.
