Homeowners’ power is on the line

By Kath Gannaway
FIRE prevention? The answer is clear.
Residents throughout the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges play a big part in bushfire prevention.
SP AusNet, the organisation responsible for maintaining trees on road reserves and private property in rural areas is sending a message to people in communities throughout the region that ensuring their community is prepared and that risks are minimised, isn’t difficult.
“Bushfires can be caused by trees growing close to powerlines, affecting power and presenting a major safety risk,” SP AusNet spokeswoman Natasha Whalley said.
Ms Whalley said clearing trees around powerlines is a shared responsibility.
While in urban areas the local council is responsible for the trees growing in the streets, on private property, the onus is on the resident.
“Residents are responsible for their own private powerlines and this means they must keep trees on their property clear of the powerlines that run to their property,” she said.
“Trees that come into contact with powerlines can spark a bushfire but pruning of trees, for which residents are responsible, should be undertaken with great care.
“If trees are not well clear of powerlines or if pruning causes branches to fall over lines, they should not prune them themselves but need to contact an authorised contractor,” Ms Whalley said.
Emphasising the role individuals play, she said communities can play a big role in preventing bushfires this season.
“If people see any potential hazards, or something that urgently needs attention, please call SP AusNet’s faults hotline on 13 17 99.”