Vegetation management
We manage trees and other vegetation near powerlines to keep the community safe and the power on.
What is vegetation management?
Vegetation management keeps trees, shrubs and other plants a safe distance from powerlines, helping prevent power outages, keeping our community and crews safe as well as reducing bushfire risk.
Our qualified tree experts and work closely with local councils and we check state registers to protect heritage, memorial, and significant trees, as well as threatened species.
Tree management schedule
Keeping tree trimming safe
Working near live powerlines is dangerous. Safety is always our first priority, for you, the community and our crews. Keeping trees a safe distance from powerlines helps prevent fires, power outages and serious injuries.
If a branch grows too close to a powerline, our tree experts prune it back to a safe point, protecting the tree and stopping unsafe regrowth in the future.
Our pruning follows Australian Standards, meaning all work is done right to reduce risks like falling branches.
If you see trees or vegetation growing too close to powerlines, tell us straight away.
Use our online map to report it and we’ll make it safe. Simply search your address and select the power pole where maintenance is required.
Who’s responsible for trees near private powerlines
If you have private powerlines on your property, you’re responsible for keeping trees and vegetation a safe distance away from them.
We carry out regular inspections of private powerlines. If we find a tree or branch too close, we’ll let you know in writing and explain what needs to be done. Once you’ve fixed the problem, we may re-inspect to make sure it’s safe.
If the work isn’t done, your power may be disconnected for safety reasons.
Keeping trees a safe distance away
Trees must be kept a safe distance from powerlines to prevent outages and keep everyone safe. The table below shows the minimum clearances we follow.
Voltage of Line | Type of Line | 0-50m Span | 50-100m Span | 100-200m Span | 200-300m Span |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1000 volts | Bare low voltage and street light wires | 2.0m | 2.0m | 3.5m | 5.0m |
| Low voltage ABC | 0.5m | 0.5m | 1.0m | N/A | |
| XLPE and PVC covered streetlight wires and service lines | 0.5m | 0.5m | N/A | N/A | |
| 1000 to 2000 volts | Bare overhead lines | 3.0m | 3.5m | 4.5m | 6.0m |
| High voltage ABC | 0.5m | 0.5m | 1.5m | N/A | |
| CCT in urban areas | 0.5m | 0.5m | 1.0m | N/A | |
| CCT in non urban areas | 1.0m | 2.0m | 2.5m | N/A | |
| 33,000 to 66,000 volts | Bare overhead lines | 3.0m | 4.0m | 5.0m | 7.0m |
| 132,000 volts | Bare overhead lines | 4.0m | 5.0m | 6.0m | 7.5m |
Who is responsible for managing trees near powerlines?
The image below shows some common examples of the responsibility of private property owners in relation to managing trees near service lines. Notably, that:
- You are responsible for keeping trees that grow on your property, a safe distance from powerlines
- If vegetation on your neighbour’s property is within safety clearances of your service line, we will take steps for the encroaching vegetation to be pruned
Planting near powerlines
Before you plant near powerlines, choose trees that will stay well clear as they grow.
Large trees under or close to powerlines can create safety hazards, cause power outages and may need regular pruning or even removal.
By selecting low-growing plants and planting tall trees well away from powerlines, you can help keep the community safe, protect your trees and save on ongoing maintenance.
Tree Management Plan
Our Tree Management Plan explains how we manage vegetation near our network in line with the Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014.
It covers our responsibilities, how we prune trees safely, when tree removal is necessary and what to plant near powerlines. If you’d like more information, you can read the full report.
