Helicopter aerial survey alert

Taking place between Monday 13 November and Friday 17 November, work will see the helicopter travelling the length of the Upper Canal system numerous times between Appin and Prospect Reservoir, weather permitting.

“WaterNSW wants to advise residents that this survey is taking place,” said Project Delivery Manager Khanh Vu. “We recognise the inconvenience caused by the noise it will create, and we appreciate the patience of residents in the area.”

The Upper Canal is an essential piece of infrastructure that carries water from multiple dams in the Illawarra to Prospect reservoir and supplies up to 20% of Sydney’s drinking water.

“The survey will enable us to assess the condition of the Upper Canal, as well as create a 3D model of it, allowing us to improve our maintenance and repair program and ultimately make sure this vital asset is resilient and reliable into the future.”

The helicopter will travel over the townships of Appin, Gilead, Menangle Park, Mount Annan, Currans Hill, Gregory Hills, Gledswood Hills, Leppington, Varroville, Denham Court, Austral, West Hoxton, Cecil Park, Cecil Hills and Horsley Park.

Residents are advised that the helicopter will fly about 90 metres above the ground, may travel at low speeds, and occasionally hover over specific locations. Increased noise is expected and only WaterNSW owned land will be surveyed.

Aerial drone survey work is also planned along the Upper Canal between Monday 27 November and Friday 1 December, weather permitting.

The Upper Canal uses no energy as water flows by gravity alone from the Illawarra Plateau south of Sydney through a series of open canals (44km), tunnels (19km) and aqueducts (1km) to Prospect Reservoir.

Learn more about the Upper Canal.