Crews to take to the Bathurst skies to inspect region's fire trails ahead of bushfire season

The aerial inspections, which will be backed up by on-the-ground trail maintenance, are being conducted by Crown Lands, in conjunction with the Rural Fire Service and Soil Conservation Service.

Bathurst isn't the only region across the Central West that will have helicopter crews inspecting its many fire trails, with volunteers to fly across Lithgow, Weddin, Lachlan and Cowra.

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The inspections are crucial to make sure fire trails and routes are probably cleared so fire-fighting vehicles can access remote areas during times of bushfires.

Bathurst MP Paul Toole said the operation will be occurring all over NSW, especially in the Central West region, in the coming weeks.

"Aerial fire trail inspections will be occurring on Crown land and adjoining land in local government areas across the state including Bathurst, Lithgow, Weddin, Lachlan and Cowra," he said.

"This year more than 1400 kilometres of fire trails are being inspected by helicopter throughout the state, including the Central West, to ensure they are in good condition for summer."

Helicopter inspections are more efficient than vehicles to check fire trails in remote regions and in areas where fire trails cross multiple land boundaries.

It also reduces inspection times from months to just weeks.

Fire trails are inspected and any maintenance that is required will be undertaken to ensure trails are in good shape come the bushfire season.

With maintained trails, firefighting vehicles can quickly access blazes if they break out, to help protect property and residents.

Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Forestry Corporation all rely on maintained fire trails.

The aerial inspections identify fallen trees requiring removal, erosion or vegetation growth that has impacted trails, and creek crossings require repair.

Helicopters are fitted with a camera to help record where follow-up work is needed.

On the ground crews then remove vegetation, conduct erosion repairs, undertake drainage and soil stability work, construct vehicle passing and turning bays, position trail signage, and install gates and bollards, to protect fire trails from illegal access and dumping.

Crown Lands also works with other agencies to conduct hazard reduction burns, and clear Asset Protection Zones (APZs) to ensure adequate fire breaks between homes and other buildings in residential areas.

If landowners have concerns about potential bushfire hazards on adjoining land, they should contact the Rural Fire Service.

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