NSW residents can expect to hear the sound of helicopters overhead as the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Crown Lands launches its Statewide inspection of fire trails.
In a statement, Crown Lands said it had teamed up with the Rural Fire Service and the Soil Conservation Service for the aerial inspections in preparation for the summer bushfire season.
“This year more than 1,400 km of fire trails are being inspected by helicopter throughout the State to ensure they are in good condition for summer,” Crown Lands said.
“Aerial inspections are more efficient than on-the-ground inspections in vehicles in remote areas and where fire trails cross multiple boundaries, cutting inspection times from months to weeks,” it said.
“Fire trails are inspected and then any identified maintenance undertaken to ensure firefighting crews and their vehicles can quickly access blazes if they break out, to protect property and residents.”
Crown Lands said the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Forestry Corporation all relied on properly maintained fire trails.
The Agency said aerial inspections identified fallen trees that required removal; erosion or vegetation growth that had impacted trails; and creek crossings that required repair.
“The helicopter is also fitted with a camera to help record where follow-up work is needed,” it said.
Crown Lands said that following the aerial surveillance, ground crews would work to remove vegetation; conduct erosion repairs; undertake drainage and soil stability work; construct vehicle passing and turning bays; position trail signage; and install gates and bollards.
