Victorian Government's Urban Tree Canopy Target and Power Line Clearance Regulations Draw Debate
Victorian Urban Tree Canopy and Power Line Clearance
The Victorian state government has established a target of 30 per cent tree canopy cover in urban areas by 2050. This initiative aims to increase green infrastructure within cities and towns.
Regulatory Stance on Clearance Standards
A committee appointed by the government advised a permanent reduction in the minimum clearance distance between trees and power lines, from one metre to 30 centimetres. This committee included representatives from electricity distribution companies such as AusNet, Jemena, and Powercor, Fire Rescue Victoria, the Municipal Association of Victoria, and landholders.
However, the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has not adopted this recommendation. The department stated that "long-term changes to the Code [are] unacceptable without a convincing body of evidence to demonstrate that reduced [minimum clearance standard] requirements are safe to apply in Victoria." While not supporting an immediate reduction to 300mm, DEECA has indicated support for future reductions if sufficient evidence emerges. South Australia implemented a reduction to 30 centimetres in low-risk areas over a decade ago.
Expert Opinion and Committee Resignation
Dr. Greg Moore, a senior research associate at the University of Melbourne, was a member of the state government's electricity line clearing consultative committee until his resignation. Moore stated his resignation was due to what he perceived as Energy Safe Victoria's cautious approach and its reluctance to consider climate change factors in regulatory decisions.
Moore cited South Australia's experience, where a reduced clearance of 30 centimetres for power lines has been in effect for over ten years without reported adverse effects. He suggested Victoria could adopt a similar approach rather than conducting a limited trial without a commitment to permanent change, particularly in low bushfire risk areas. Moore argued that a reduced clearance could significantly benefit streetscapes, potentially save hundreds of millions of dollars in pruning costs, and contribute to cooler urban environments. He also characterized Energy Safe Victoria's approach to fire safety as rigidly prescriptive.
Safety and Cost Implications
Data from 2019 to 2024 indicates an average of 47 fires annually in Victoria were caused by trees contacting power lines. Additionally, two electrical shocks to clearance workers resulted from vegetation touching wires during this period, one of which was fatal and the other causing serious injury. Dr. Moore contended that the current one-metre clearance requirement might increase worker proximity to live power lines due to more frequent pruning, thus posing a different type of risk.
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), representing local councils, expressed that current regulations lead to substantial and avoidable costs for communities and the environment. MAV President Jennifer Anderson noted that the regulations often result in extensive pruning in urban areas and townships with low bushfire risk. Councils face penalties for non-compliance with these guidelines. Anderson highlighted the loss of green canopy, which is crucial for cooling streets and providing habitat, including the pruning of significant and native trees.
The City of Boroondara supported the proposed change, arguing that a 30-centimetre clearance could help protect an estimated $1 billion in tree value statewide, reduce costs for councils and ratepayers, and enhance community liveability and climate adaptation efforts.
An Energy Safe Victoria spokesperson acknowledged the importance of public feedback in policy formulation and encouraged community participation in the proposed trial.