Energy Safe Victoria is reminding Victorians to be aware of the heightened risk of trees falling near powerlines following recent heavy rain, particularly in windy conditions.
Victoria has experienced a consistent deluge during October and November, with much of the state impacted by floods and other rain damage.
“Every time the we experience heavy rain and extreme wind, the chances of trees and vegetation becoming unstable rise,” Energy Safe Victoria chair and commissioner Marnie Williams said.
She said if Victorians were concerned about an unstable tree near powerlines, the best thing to do was report the location of the tree to the electricity distribution business that operated in that area.
Energy Safe Victoria is also reminding Victorians to remain eight-to-ten metres from fallen powerlines, as they may still be live.
Always treat fallen powerlines as live even when they are broken or damaged.
Energy Safe Victoria is responsible for regulating electricity companies (responsible for powerlines on private land and regional public land) and councils (urban public land) to ensure trees are within safe distances from powerlines under the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020.
To highlight the dangers of trees being too close to powerlines, Energy Safe Victoria has produced a short animation, which alerts the community to the line clearance responsibilities across Victoria.
For more information, go to: www.esv.vic.gov.au