Essential Energy contractors will be out and about in Canowindra starting work on the company's vegetation management program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The program is designed to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of the local electricity network.
Operations manager Macquarie, Jamie Warren, said the vegetation program was about striking a balance between preserving the town's trees and ensuring power safety and reliability for the community.
"A safe and reliable electricity network is a priority for Essential Energy and the management of vegetation in and around powerlines plays a crucial role in safeguarding power supplies," he said.
"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."
Mr Warren said Essential Energy used directional pruning techniques that remove branches growing towards a powerline and encourage re-growth away from the power network.
He said while this can affect visual amenity, these techniques were considered best practice throughout the arboriculture industry and were used by most power companies in Australia.
Residents can download Essential Energy's Tree Planting Guide at essentialenergy.com.au/trees for helpful tips on appropriate species for planting near powerlines or contact 13 23 91 for more information.
