Great Lakes Advocate, 23 November 2021:
In preparation of the 2021-22 bushfire season fire trails on Crown Land along the Mid North Coast have been closely inspected.
The helicopter aerial inspections, supported by on-the-ground trail maintenance, have been conducted by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment - Crown Lands in conjunction with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Soil Conservation Service.
This year more than 1500 kilometres of fire trails on Crown Land and surrounding land have been inspected by helicopter State-wide, to ensure they are in good condition for firefighters.
Mid North and North coast inspections have included fire trails in the Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Kyogle, Mid Coast, Nambucca Valley, Port Macquarie Hastings, Port Stephens, Richmond Vale, and Tweed local government areas (LGA).
Aerial inspections are more efficient than four-wheel-drive inspections in remote and less accessible areas or where fire trails cross multiple land boundaries, cutting inspection times from months to weeks.
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.
RFS, Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Forestry Corporation, all rely on properly maintained fire trails.
The aerial inspections identify fallen trees requiring removal; erosion or vegetation growth that has impacted trails; and creek crossings require repair.
The helicopter is also fitted with a camera to help record where follow-up work is needed.....
