Minister inspects helicopter line stringing of new powerline

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson today inspected progress on Powerlink Queensland’s new $50 million transmission line between Nebo and the Pioneer Valley, where a helicopter is currently being used to attach power line cables to the new towers.

“Mackay is one of the fastest growing regional cities in Queensland and the strong growth is driving the demand for power,” Mr Wilson said.

“With demand forecast to rise by five per cent a year for the next five years, it’s important to build for the future,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Nebo to Pioneer Valley transmission line is one of $450 million worth of projects that Powerlink is building in the Bowen Basin.

“It will underpin economic development in Mackay and meet the long-term electricity needs of industry and the people who live and work here,” Mr Wilson said.

Powerlink began building its new transmission line in December last year and is on target to complete the project later this year.

Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said helicopter line stringing was one of the final stages of construction of the new transmission line.

Mr Jardine said helicopters were often used during transmission line stringing because they helped minimise the impact of construction on local communities and the environment.

“Using low flying helicopters means the need to clear a path for the new lines is mostly avoided, as the helicopter allows the line to be strung over any sensitive vegetation areas,” Mr Jardine said.

“This means that during stringing there are fewer heavy machines and vehicles on the ground along the line route, which helps reduce the amount of ground disturbance.

“It also saves time and that’s good news for local residents,” Mr Jardine said.

The technique used by helicopter pilots who specialise in this line of work, involves using the helicopter to pull a heavy steel cable, known as a ‘draw wire’, from a winch on the ground.

John Caldwell, a pilot at Leading Edge Helicopters, has been engaged by Powerlink’s contractor to string the whole of the Nebo to Pioneer Valley transmission line.

A highly experienced pilot, Mr Caldwell has logged more than 10,000 hours of flight time and has 19 years of experience. He said helicopter stringing was a job that demanded accuracy.

“I attach the draw wire to the helicopter and fly over the towers,” Mr Caldwell said. “I visually guide the draw wire to fit onto a roller that’s attached to the side of the tower. Once this has been completed, the draw wire is attached to the powerline conductor (cable), and used to pull the conductor into the air and onto the towers.”

“I first started line stringing six years ago, and each job allows me to further refine my techniques and methods,” he said. “This kind of job is not very common, and at a guess there are only about 50 pilots in Australia who can do this kind of work.”

“I always survey a job and fly the path before performing the work to check for hazards. And I stay in contact by radio with people on the ground.”

The helicopter stringing work for the new transmission line started mid year and is expected to be completed by the middle of next month, with the project expected to be completed later this year.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre   3225 1819