As summer approaches, the government rejects expert recommendations to increase tree cover in Victorian suburbs
Victoria could tackle extreme heat by adding $1 billion worth of tree shade to suburban streets and rural towns, if a plan from experts to reduce pruning around powerlines was adopted.
But the state government has rejected advice from its own technical panel on rules for clearing around electricity lines, opting instead for what it calls “a more gradual change”.
Every day, crews across the state prune and lop back branches from powerlines. Currently, trees in low-risk areas with low-voltage powerlines are cut back one metre.