Low Flying Helicopters Across the Hunter As Power Line Safety Inspections Kick Off

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Ausgrid has started its annual bushfire safety program, assessing power poles and powerlines across the Hunter for any issues or faults that could increase the risk of a bushfire in the warmer months.

From June 11th, residents may see helicopters flying low over powerlines above Adamstown, Ashtonfield, Belmont, Cameron Park, Cardiff, Charlestown, Fern Bay, Newcastle, Raymond Terrace, Shortland, Toronto, Tomago, Warners Bay and surrounding areas.

On the ground, crews are also contacting property owners in the Hunter who have private power poles on their land and completing inspections to ensure they address maintenance issues.

Crews will be in the air from about 7.30am to 5.30pm (weather permitting) and property owners may want to consider securing livestock during the patrols.

“The helicopters fly between 25 and 40 kilometres per hour and have been modified to allow for the quietest possible operation, but they may fly low at times, which can startle livestock in rural areas,” Mr Armstrong said.

 Ausgrid Chief Operating Officer Trevor Armstrong said this year’s bushfire safety program was more important than ever.

“No-one will forget the catastrophic fires which caused so much loss of life and property destruction over last summer which proved just how dangerous bushfires can be.

Mr Armstrong said that the helicopter patrols provide the safest and most efficient way to inspect large and expansive high-voltage powerlines.

“We will be using multiple helicopters, so we can finish the patrols by the end of July, before the start of the next bushfire season in September.

“The helicopter crews will be using laser scanning equipment and taking high-resolution photographs to identify any hazards on our poles and wires and trees growing too close to powerlines”, he said.

Private power pole inspections on the ground are also underway and Ausgrid is encouraging property owners to help do their part in ensuring poles on their property are safe and clear of any tree branches or vegetation which could spark a fire.

“Private poles and powerlines that aren’t safely maintained by property owners can become a serious bushfire risk and we need property owners to do their part in keeping our communities safe,” Mr Armstrong said.

A full flight schedule and more information can be found at Ausgrid.com.au/bushfirepatrols

Tuncurry Man Charged Over Allegedly Fraudulently Obtaining Disaster Relief Payments

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A 50-year-old Tuncurry man has been charged with allegedly fraudulently obtaining Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payments he was not entitled to related to the NSW Bushfires. 

The man allegedly dishonestly influenced Services Australia officials, by making claims for disaster payments and benefits on behalf of members of the public not adversely affected by the bushfires.

In November 2019, Services Australia received information from concerned community members and commenced an investigation into the man’s alleged activities.

 Australian Federal Police (AFP) joined the investigation in January, and on Wednesday, Services Australia investigators and AFP and NSW Police officers, executed a search warrant at the man’s residence in Tuncurry, NSW. 

On Thursday AFP officers arrested the man after information was received he was allegedly threatening potential witnesses.

Police will allege in court that the man was assisting members of the public to fraudulently obtain $1000 benefit payments by calling the hotline on their behalf.

He was charged with:

• Six counts of obtaining a financial advantage by deception contrary to section 134.2(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), which has a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

• One count of influencing a Commonwealth public official contrary to section 135.1(7) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), which has a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

AFP Commander Eastern Region Investigation Kirsty Schofield said the AFP is committed to working closely with government agencies to identify people taking advantage of schemes designed to help vulnerable communities in a time of need.

“This arrest should serve as a reminder to those planning to take advantage of those programs in place to help Australians during these difficult times. This criminal activity will not be taken lightly, especially when it takes time, effort and money away from programs set up to help people at a traumatic time in their lives,” Cmdr. Schofield said.

The man has been remanded in custody to appear in court on Tuesday, 7 April 2020. 

Suspected welfare fraud can be reported via the “Reporting Fraud” page on the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/fraud, or by calling the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line on 13 15 24.

                                Image Credit: Australian Federal Police

Bushfire Update Tues 1:30pm 8th Nov

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Lone Pine Fire at Port Stephens continues to burn, with flames having already ripped through just over 9000 hectares of land.

Work is continuing to contain the blaze, with fire fighters watching for changing conditions as a southerly change is expected to move through this afternoon.

There is the potential for increased fire activity on the western side of Karuah and to the west of Swan Bay Road, with residents urged to follow instructions from fire fighters in the area.

Residents in the area of Karuah, Limeburners Creek, Medowie, Nine Mile Creek and Swan Bay should continue to stay alert.

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington says getting the right information, from the right sources, is vital.

"Heed the advice of the fire fighters and police on the ground and always look at the official sources for advice - you've got to be very careful about where we are looking and where we are taking advice from and it's so important that we're going to the official sources for all advice."

The Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service websites and social media are the most reliable sources, as well as police, rescue and fire services on the ground.

Check www.livetraffic.com for updates on road closures.