Mitchell Shire is Victoria’s best performing local government area when it comes to keeping trees clear of power lines.
Chief executive Brett Luxford said council was proud of the achievement.
“Our Electric Line Clearance Management Plan identifies hazardous trees and schedules them for pruning or removal,” he said.
“This work is balanced with council’s commitment to maintaining the health and amenity of the shire’s trees.
“We regularly work with electricity companies, community and environment groups and landowners to meet the requirements of our Electric Line Clearance Management Plan while preserving trees and other vegetation.”
Energy Safe Victoria conducts inspections to ensure trees are being managed to standards that meet the community’s expectations for safety.
Mitchell Shire has recorded the state’s best compliance, with 95 per cent of sites inspected by ESV meeting the required standard.
Seventy per cent is the average compliance standard across Victorian councils.
Overgrown tree lines risk contact with power lines resulting in fires, electrocutions and power outages. This causes property damage, network outages, injury and even loss of life.
More than 1100 power outages are caused by trees touching power lines in Victoria each year, affecting 400,000 residences and businesses.
It is councils’ responsibility to keep trees clear of power lines on urban public land, while private land and regional public land are maintained by electricity companies.
“While we’re pleased to be doing well in our electric line clearing efforts, we know there are always areas for improvement,” Mr Luxford said.