The Lismore City Council is embracing technology and hoping to save thousands each year by using drones to inspect hard-to-get-at places.
The council has spent less than $3000 on a DJI Phantom 4 drone which is expected to save around $25,000 each year in staff time.
The drone will be used to undertake difficult rural inspections of wastewater lines.
Water and Wastewater Inspector Joe Morrissey said such inspections could be costly as staff were required to travel through paddocks and along creeks in areas that regular brush cutting was required just to maintain access.
‘We will be able to move along creeks and through countryside to check wastewater lines from above without needing staff access,’ Mr Morrissey said.
‘This will make our operations much more efficient as well as making the job safer for the staff involved.
‘In future we hope to use the drone for a whole range of other activities including bridge inspections, tree inspections and before and after flyovers of major works.
‘There is capacity to use this technology for a lot of different applications where jobs are dangerous or difficult. It’s great to see Council embracing technology and being innovative in approaching how we undertake our day-to-day business.’
The drone will make its first inspections this week. Staff are currently being trained in use of the new technology.
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