October 17th, 2023Powerline clearance program starts for Kyneton and Gisborne

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council says it’s beginning its annual street tree powerline pruning and maintenance program.

The work affects trees on nature strips and various council-owned properties in Kyneton and Gisborne and aims to ensure all street trees in the area are not at risk of coming into contact with powerlines. 

As part of the program, arborists inspect street trees and powerlines to ensure public safety and prevent electricity supply interruptions caused by overhanging vegetation near powerlines. The program is also an important part of the council’s fire prevention works.

All powerline clearance vegetation works comply with the Electricity Safety Act (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020, which stipulate a minimum safe clearance between trees and power lines and Australian Standard 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees. In rare cases, pruning for compliance may affect a tree’s overall structure and health, requiring its removal and replacement.

The council is responsible for electric line clearance (ELC) in the ‘Declared Areas’ of Gisborne and Kyneton. Powercor is responsible for ELC in the shire’s remaining ‘Non-Declared Areas’, except in Gisborne South, where Jemena is responsible.

The council’s program will commence in November and be completed in December, weather permitting.