Tree trimming program to begin soon in Narrabri

Essential Energy will soon begin a vegetation management program in Narrabri and surrounding areas to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of the local electricity network. Weather permitting, the vegetation program will commence in October, Essential Energy advises.

“The vegetation program will be undertaken by Essential Energy’s qualified contractors in compliance with the Australian Standard AS 4373 ‘Pruning of Amenity Trees’ where possible,” Operations manager Northern Tablelands, Mark Summers, said.

“Occasionally, however, their practices can vary to accommodate the location and regrowth pattern of particular vegetation, or to comply with the Electrical Safety Rules and legislation.”

Mr Summers said the vegetation program was about striking a balance between preserving the town’s trees and ensuring power safety and reliability for the community.

“Trees coming into contact with overhead powerlines pose serious hazards to people, wildlife and the surrounding environment, with potential for bushfires, damage to property, injury and unplanned power outages.

“Our comprehensive vegetation management program ensures minimum safety clearances are maintained between trees and overhead powerlines and helps to minimise the trimming required in the future, while also securing a more reliable power supply” he said.

“Essential Energy uses directional pruning techniques that remove branches growing towards a powerline and encourage re-growth away from the power network.

“While this can affect visual amenity, these techniques are considered best practice throughout the arboriculture industry and are used by most power companies in Australia.”