Aerial checks boost fire trail safety

HELICOPTER inspections of fire trails on the Northern Rivers and across the state will identify maintenance work needed ahead of the summer bush fire season to help protect lives and communities.

Inspections have started in the Sydney region and will work their way around the state throughout September.

Crown Lands is undertaking the inspections together with the Rural Fire Service, with over 540 fire trails being inspected covering more than 2,400km on Crown land and neighbouring lands.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said ensuring fire trails are properly maintained was critical to protecting firefighters and communities.

“In addition to the aerial inspections, there are also many other fire trails on Crown land that are more easily accessible and so are inspected using 4WD vehicles.”

The NSW government has provided more than $7.9 million in 2024-25 for on-ground maintenance and upgrades of strategic fire trails on Crown land.

The former government left no ongoing funding in the budget for the maintenance and upgrades of these critical Crown Lands fire trails.

A further $4.8 million has been allocated for hazard reduction activities including controlled burns and Asset Protection Zone maintenance and upgrades to protect communities.

Helicopter inspections are more efficient than ground patrols by vehicles, particularly in remote and less accessible areas and where fire trails cross multiple property boundaries or have other access issues.

Aerial patrols reduce inspection times in these areas from months to weeks and give an overall “point in time” assessment of the fire trail network.

Helicopter crews monitor the trails from the air to identify whether trees have fallen and require removal, if erosion or vegetation growth has impacted trails, or where creek crossings may need repair.

The helicopter is also fitted with a camera to help record where follow-up work is needed.

Following the aerial inspections, maintenance is conducted by relevant bodies, including vegetation removal, erosion repairs, drainage, fire trail stability work, and installing signage, gates, and bollards where needed.