Ausgrid implements a bushfire prevention program each year, focusing on bushfire prone areas. This includes carrying out extensive survey work using drones and helicopters to identify any bushfire risks in the vicinity of the electricity network.

The aerial patrols use light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning and high resolution photography to identify poles, equipment and vegetation that may present a future bushfire risk. Identified safety defects are rectified as part of our Bushfire Risk Management Strategy.

Informed by the Rural Fire Service and councils, we conduct survey work throughout the year in designated bushfire prone areas.

This year, we will be conducting aerial patrols in the following LGAs which have been identified as Bushfire Prone Land. In January 2022 the LGAs of Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton & Muswellbrook updated their mapping to include the Category 3 Bushfire risk areas.