Story: Dial Before You Dig
Episode: 15
Presenter: Sue
Air Date: 27th November

• Trees not only create sheltered microclimates for our plants and native animals, but a well-positioned tree can also reduce the speed, strength, and severity of winds.
• Failing to trim trees can cause power failures, bush fires, and serious accidents. So trees must be trimmed if they are too close to powerlines and service lines (these are insulated cables running to the house).
• While property owners can manage tree pruning themselves, it’s recommended they hire a qualified tree contractor as they have the correct training and are accredited to manage vegetation around powerlines.
• It is the property owner’s responsibility to trim trees on private property and local councils’ responsibility for verges and road reserves
• Depending on where you live, trees should not be closer than 2.5 – 5 metres to powerlines and 300 mm to 500 mm service lines.
• The area above and around a pillar should be kept clear to allow for authorised access, this includes a 500 mm (half a metre) exclusion zone.
• To find out if there are any underground assets contact Dial Before You Dig, either online at www.1100.com.au or call 1100. Dial Before You Dig is a free service

For more information, head to:
www.horizonpower.com.au/safety – 13 23 51
www.westernpower.com.au – 13 13 51