‘Extremely timid’: Expert slams state’s limited trial for power line tree pruning
Strict regulations that require severe pruning of street trees around power lines could be eased in a trial aimed at improving urban canopy cover.
‘Extremely timid’: Expert slams state’s limited trial for power line tree pruning
Melbourne could be about to become a leafier place under a proposed trial to slash the minimum clearance between trees and power lines.
This would bring an end to the severely pruned trees throughout the city, whose limbs and branches have been lopped to comply with strict regulations that set a minimum one-metre clearance from power lines.
This clearance would be reduced to 30 centimetres for low-voltage lines in “low-bushfire risk areas” if the state government trial goes ahead.
Dr Greg Moore, of the University of Melbourne, says Victoria’s power line clearance regulations destroy too much tree canopy.Credit: Eddie Jim
This reduction would cover most city and town streetscapes in Victoria and provide an estimated $1 billion benefit to the economy through reduced tree canopy loss, advocates say.
Councils complain that the current regulations are excessive and cause widespread, unnecessary loss of tree canopy, make streets hotter and damage cherished and ecologically important trees.
The Allan government, which is seeking feedback on the proposed trial, says minimum-clearance laws reduce the risk of trees and vegetation contacting electricity lines, which can lead to fires, electric shocks and power outages.
Recently pruned trees in Hampton East.Credit: Simon Schluter
It also acknowledges the role of street trees in providing amenity, habitat and cooler streetscapes.
It says a trial under controlled circumstances in a low bushfire risk area will build evidence for a possible reduction in minimum clearances in low-risk areas.
The state government has set a tree canopy target of 30 per cent in urban areas by 2050.
But one expert who advised the government on the issue has accused it of being timid and squibbing the opportunity to make a sensible change that would boost urban tree cover.
The government baulked at calls from a committee it appointed to permanently reduce the minimum clearance from one metre to 30 centimetres. The committee included electricity distribution companies such as AusNet, Jemena and Powercor, Fire Rescue Victoria, the Municipal Association of Victoria and landholders.
