
Clearances
Exploring the unnecessary loss of trees near transmission lines
We’ve all seen the large steel tower transmission lines cutting through our National Parks and State forests. While the clearances may seem excessive, they are calculated to ensure that, if a tree falls, it will not come within the specified safety distance from the conductor. For example, the current proposed clause in the Code mandates that trees must not only fall outside the applicable distance (approximately 6 metres), but also an additional distance of up to 20 metres. Experts have suggested this is likely a misprint, but it has yet to be acknowledged by the ESV.

Conservative estimates suggest that at least 10,000 mature trees could be needlessly removed.
The slider image illustrates the extent of vegetation removal required to comply with the Code. By adjusting the slider, you can see the current easement clearance compared to the number of trees that would need to be removed.
Ground-Level Perspective: Showcasing the Size of the Trees
This image offers a ground-level view, highlighting the significant size of the trees.

Common Questions About Tree Removal and Transmission Lines
Will this reduce the risk of vegetation contacting conductors and causing fires or outages?
No. There is already an existing safety gap (the applicable safety distance).Will this improve worker safety?
No. This will require heavy machinery and significant manual labour, increasing work complexity and risk.Will this save the community money?
No. The tree removal process will result in significant costs.Will this benefit the environment?
No. At least 10,000 trees will be unnecessarily removed, impacting the environment.