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For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
Autumn 2015
energysafe issue 39
Public input helps shape
tree clearance regulations
By Michelle Robertson, Senior Media
and Communications Advisor
Following a period of public consultation
that finished in January, ESV has published
25 submissions in response to the
Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for
the proposed Electricity Safety (Electric
Line Clearance) Regulations 2015.
The proposed regulations, to be made
under the Electricity Safety Act 1998, will
replace the Electricity Safety (Electric Line
Clearance) Regulations 2010, which expire
on 29 June 2015.
The objectives of the proposed regulations
are to prescribe the Code of Practice for electric
line clearance and procedures for standards
and practices for tree cutting or removal in
the vicinity of electric lines, and to minimise
the danger of electric lines causing fire or
electrocution.
Regulatory Impact Statement
The RIS assesses the proposed
regulations as well as identified alternatives
on the basis of ability to reduce bushfire
risks, substantive compliance costs and
administrative burdens.
Submissions in response to the RIS were
received from from the following organisations
and are currently available on the ESV website:
»» AusNet Services
»» Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
»» Brimbank City Council
»» Canterbury Community Action Group
»» CitiPower Pty and Powercor Australia Ltd
»» City of Boroondara
»» City of Greater Geelong
»» City of Kingston
»» City of Monash
»» Council Arboriculture Victoria
»» Country Fire Authority
»» Department of Environment
and Primary Industries
»» Dr Gregory Moore
»» Glenelg Shire Council
»» Greater Dandenong City Council
»» Inner South Metro Mayors’ Forum
»» Jemena Ltd
»» Knox City Council
»» Maroondah City Council
»» Metro Trains Melbourne
»» Mr Howard Templeton
»» Municipal Association of Victoria
»» United Energy and Multinet Gas
»» Victoria Walks Inc
»» Yarra City Council
Balancing safety and amenity
Victoria’s electric line clearance regime
has three key policy goals that apply across
the state: safety, reliability and fire prevention.
The relative level of risk varies across urban
and regional areas. Safety is the core value in
urban areas. This includes the safety of the
general public and all those working in the
vicinity of electric lines, including linesmen
and arborists/vegetation workers.
The Code is based on the general
proposition that there should be no contact
between vegetation and electric lines, but it
allows situations where limited contact may
occur without compromising safety.
Trees will continue to grow and more
are being added to streetscapes every day.
Over the years, the regulations have been
reviewed to incorporate changes in response
to external events (including weather and fire
events), technological developments and key
stakeholder perspectives.
Since 2005, ESV has had responsibility
for administering the regulations and ensuring
compliance with the Code.
The regime accepts that vegetation can
be affected by weather conditions, such
as wind, which can cause branches to
intermittently come into contact with electric
lines. Powerlines are also not static—they
respond to changing environmental conditions
such as temperature and wind, and also
electricity load.
The fundamental principle of the regime is
that contact between vegetation and electric lines
should be prevented as much as possible.
Powerlines
and vegetation
management
A guide to rights and responsibilities
Creating a safer state
with electricity and gas
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lick here to download ESV’s
C
guide to Powerlines and
vegetation management
(pictured above)
CEDA contemplates future energy grid
ESV was pleased to sponsor a recent
forum organised by CEDA (the Committee
for Economic Development of Australia).
Titled Energy Networks—enabling the
future grid, the forum examined the changing
dynamics of Australian energy markets and
the role of the future grid in energy supply
and usage.
ESV’s Paul Fearon, Victoria’s Director of
Energy Safety, chaired the event, which featured
guest speakers Paula Conboy, the new Chair
of the Australian Energy Regulator, and United
Energy & Multinet Gas CEO Hugh Gleeson,
who discussed the state of the energy market
and how energy businesses can adapt and
innovate their business models.
Innovators: Speakers Hugh Gleeson, CEDA’s Michael Camilleri, Paula Conboy and Paul Fearon.