Lismore City Council is harnessing cutting-edge aerial imaging technology to fast-track critical flood restoration works across the region. 

The 2022 natural disaster caused surface damage at 84 sites across 25 roads in Lismore. Lismore City Council recently received Disaster Recovery Funding to design the restoration of these assets using aerial assessments (surveys), which capture extensive data while reducing safety risks for pedestrians near traffic.

In collaboration with Dykman Consulting, a leading civil engineering firm, Council is adopting advanced survey methods. Rather than relying on traditional, time-intensive ground surveys, a helicopter equipped with state-of-the-art LiDAR technology will be deployed to efficiently survey each damage site. This high-precision data will feed directly into the design process, enabling tailored solutions that consider both site-specific needs and the broader infrastructure context.

Helicopters were chosen over drones for their ability to carry sophisticated imaging equipment, including state-of-the-art LiDAR technology, crucial for precise flood restoration designs. They offer greater flight stability and longer operational durations, enabling uninterrupted surveys across multiple sites and speeding up recovery efforts.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating:

"This work marks an important step in rebuilding Lismore’s road network efficiently and effectively. By leveraging innovation, we can deliver more resilient infrastructure, ensuring our community recovers stronger than ever."

The result will be superior road designs, delivered rapidly and optimised for efficient construction.

Helicopter flights are scheduled throughout June, flying at an altitude of 850 feet with five passes over each affected road. Residents may notice aerial survey activity during this period.

A full list of roads included in the survey is available at https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Building-and-planning/Flood-Restoration-Portfolio/Roads-and-bridges/FR-Pavement-Restoration-Package.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government.