AusNet has advised Council that electrical line clearance works will commence in May 2026 in areas where AusNet is responsible for maintaining safe vegetation clearance around powerlines. All works will be undertaken in accordance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2020.
All AusNet vegetation management personnel carry AusNet representative identification cards. Members of the public may request to see this identification at any time to confirm authority.
Pruning
AusNet will prune vegetation to achieve suitable clearance around its electrical assets. Wherever possible, this work will be carried out to Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 - Pruning of Amenity Trees and carried out by suitably trained personnel.
Vegetation removal
Whilst pruning is the preferred approach, in some cases suitable clearance cannot be achieved without changing the vegetation’s shape, structure, or health. In these instances, complete removal may be recommended.
No mature or significant vegetation will be removed without consultation with the Rural City of Wangaratta or the relevant private landowner or occupier.
Clearing away cut vegetation
Branches pruned or removed as part of AusNet's routine maintenance will be collected by AusNet as soon as possible. Where it is safe to do so, larger limbs or logwood will be cut into manageable lengths and left safely on site. All stumps will be cut at ground level where possible.
Where vegetation has been pruned or removed in response to an emergency, fault or storm event, the owner of the vegetation – either the landowner or Council – is responsible for removing it.
More information about AusNet's vegetation management around powerlines is available in the attached Notice of Vegetation Management Works(PDF, 323KB) .