KNOX CITY COUNCIL

ELECTRIC LINE CLEARANCE

MANAGEMENT PLAN

2016 – 2017

(In accordance with Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2015)

ELECTRIC LINE CLEARANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2016/2017 SUBMITTED BY: Name: Knox City Council Date: March 2016 The following sections are as per Regulation 9(3) (Management Plans) of the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2015. (a) Name, Address and Telephone Number of the Responsible

Person.

Name: Knox City Council Address: 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, 3152 City/Shire Office Telephone No. (03) 9298 8000 City/Shire Office Facsimile No.: (03) 9800 3096 Name of Chief Executive Officer Joanne Truman- Acting CEO

(b) Name, Position, Address and Telephone Number of the Person

who was responsible for the Preparation of the Plan.

Name(s): Dru Taylor Position(s): Project Officer – Trees Business Address: 102 Lewis Road, Wantirna South 3152 Telephone No.(s): (03) 9298 8423 Facsimile No.(s): (03) 9800 3214 Email Address: dru.taylor@knox.vic.gov.au

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(c) Name, position, address and telephone number of the persons

who are responsible for carrying out the plan.

Name(s): Dru Taylor

Position(s): Project Officer – Trees

Business Address: 102 Lewis Road, Wantirna South 3152

Telephone No.(s): (03) 9298 8423

Facsimile No.(s): (03) 9800 3214

Email Address: dru.taylor@knox.vic.gov.au (d) The telephone number of a person who can be contacted in an

emergency that requires clearance of an electric line that the responsible person is required to keep clear of trees or parts of trees.

Name: Dru Taylor (03) 9298 8423 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE No.: Council’s After Hours No. 0418 805 166

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(e) The objectives of the management plan.

The following are identified as the key objectives of this plan in fulfilling our stated mission and the duties set out in the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulation 2015.

• Public Safety

• Compliance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulation 2015

• Protection of areas of important vegetation which may be deemed as such on the basis of those areas containing botanically, historically or culturally important vegetation or vegetation of outstanding aesthetic or ecological significance, and/or the habitat of rare or endangered species;

• Management of vegetation to maximise the environment, biodiversity and amenity value of the Council’s trees;

• Provision of a safe working place for employees and contractors;

• Provide continuity of supply. Minimise fire starts.

• Community satisfaction with the manner in which the necessary works area carried out.

(f) The land to which the management plan applies by the inclusion of a map;

This Management Plan applies to all trees on land managed by Knox City Council (Appendix A). The Predominant category of trees subject to the plan is suburban street trees of a mixture of indigenous, native and exotic.

• There are approximately 75,000 street trees. • These trees are located in 2460 streets covering 770 kilometres.

This plan is not applicable to trees located on private property and State or Federal Government land. The area of Knox to be included in this year’s contract pruning program 2016-2017 can be seen in appendix D.

High Bushfire Risk Areas (HBRA) & Low Bushfire Risk Areas (LBRA) sites within Knox can be seen in appendix H.

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(g) The location of areas containing trees which may need to be

cut or removed to ensure compliance with the Code and that are-

(i) Native;

Native trees and indigenous remnant vegetation are present throughout the municipality. This vegetation is important as it represents Knox’s most intact natural environment and is a source of genetic material for the rehabilitation of Knox’s natural heritage.

Remnant vegetation often includes rare or threatened tree species or species documented as being of local, regional or State significance. In addition, this vegetation is important for the habitat it provides for indigenous fauna and is identified and protected under Vegetation Protection Overlay 1 (Appendix B) of the local planning policy framework (LPPF).

(ii) listed in a planning scheme to be of ecological, historical or

aesthetic significance; or

(iii) trees or cultural or environmental significance;

Knox’s significant vegetation study (Appendix E) highlights trees with important ecological, historical or aesthetic significance; or cultural or environmental significance. The majority of these trees are not affected by line clearance. All trees categorised in (ii) & (iii) are protected by Council Planning Overlays. Exotic or non indigenous native trees in the municipality which are significant for their aesthetic beauty and the interest they bring to the landscape are included in Vegetation Protection Overlay 2 of the LPPF(appendix B)

Remnant overstorey vegetation contributes to Knox’s biodiversity. In some cases it provides protection to waterways and contributes to habitat corridors. Remnant overstorey vegetation also beautifies and adds natural interest to the areas in which it is located. Remanet overstory vegetation is included in Vegetation Protection Overlay 3 (Appendix B) of the LPPF.

(h) The means which the responsible person is required to use to identify a tree specified in paragraph (g);

Council staff/Arborists have access to an internal database which records the location of trees protected under the Knox planning overlays identified as VPO1, VPO2 & VPO3. They also have access to Knox’s Significant vegetation study. Vegetation Management Officers within the Planning Department are available for advice and additional information.

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Additionally, Knox will identify the location of further vegetation as specified in section (g) of the Plan through review of the Heritage Register, Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register, Threatened Flora List, Threatened Invertebrate Fauna List and Threatened Vertebrate Fauna List.

The accuracy of information relating to the location of vegetation determined to be of ecological, historical, aesthetic cultural or environmental significance will be verified into the future through regular review of the previously specified Planning Schemes, Registers and Lists.

(i) The management procedures that the responsible person is

required to adopt to ensure compliance with the Code, which must include details of the methods proposed to be adopted for-

(i) The methods to be adopted for managing trees and maintaining a minimum clearance space as required by the code.

Council’s street tree population consists of approximately 75,000 street trees. Trees that may impact overhead powerlines are inspected annually and pruned biennially to comply with Electrical Line Clearance Regulations.

All pruning works are undertaken in accordance with AS 4373 (Pruning of Amenity Trees) and Electrical Line Clearance Regulations 2015.

A high percentage of the pruning around powerlines consists of re-growth following the previous pruning cycle. Council’s pruning contractor is instructed to contact Council’s Project Officer - Trees if tree branches to be cut are greater than 150mm diameter. Knox prunes its HBRA areas annually prior to each fire season in late August to comply with minimum requirements.

Any contractor carrying out pruning works on behalf of Council must have a Certificate 2 ESI- Powerline Vegetation Control or current equivalent as well as suitable tree maintenance experience. Operators will maintain body clearances as specified in the Blue Book at all times.

Information regarding Council’s pruning program is available on Council’s website. Consultation with residents by letter drop is provided with a minimum notice period of two weeks prior to pruning.

Knox has developed a Greenstreets Policy and is in the final stages of the development of Street Tree Asset Management Plan (STAMP). These two policies guide council officers in how they manage trees within the urban environment with particular focus on appropriate plantings and

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Council’s tree removal and replacement procedures. These documents can be viewed on Council’s web site www.knox.vic.gov.au

(ii) Specify the method for determining an additional distance that allows for cable sag and sway for the purpose of determining a minimum clearance space in accordance with Division 1 of Part 3 of the code.;

Staff will comply with table outlined in Schedule 2 of the Electrical Line Clearance regulations (Applicable distances for middle two thirds of a span of an electrical line) Graphs and figures 1-7. Where Council cannot achieve or determine appropriate distances consultation with the Distribution Company, Owner or Operator will be undertaken to achieve compliance or determine clearance.

(j) the procedures to be adopted if it is not practicable to comply

with the requirements of AS 4373 while cutting a tree in accordance with the code;

For any reactive/regrowth work that should occur between pruning cycles as a result of a request from a resident, Council Officer or Power Distribution Company, the following procedures will apply.

The decision making process will be as follows:

These decisions will be made by the Co-ordinator of Active Open Space in consultation with other relevant Council departments and/or other authorities, taking advice from management as to the availability of funds for replacement works based on a clear cost-benefit analysis. The Co-ordinator will ensure that resident consultation occurs prior to the removal of street or reserve trees.

All decisions made will have due regard to the Knox City Council Sustainable City Plan, the Significant Vegetation to Road Sites Strategy and Council’s Streetscape Policy.

Are the branches of the tree going to penetrate the clearance space of the powerline during the period of the next pruning cycle?

Inspect the tree prior to next pruning cycle.

If No

Can the tree be pruned to allow for appropriate clearance and regrowth within the pruning cycle without loss of amenity value or increase to public risk?

ID if tree is Significant? If unsure contact planning department to clarify. Notify Resident (min 2 weeks) or immediately for urgent works. Prune tree according to AS-4373 - 2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees and record works on council work order system.

If Yes

If Yes

Weigh options of a shorter pruning cycle, tree removal, or cable replacement with Aerial Bundled Cable or under grounding, or other options as set out in The Code. The decision will be based upon costing of the options in terms of tree value, works cost and the surrounding environment of the tree.

If No

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(k) a description of each alternative compliance mechanism in

respect of which the responsible person has applied, or proposes to apply, for approval under clause 31 of the code

Council has not applied for any alternative compliance mechanisms from Energy Safe Victoria to date. Where required, Council may investigate the use of alternative compliance mechanisms to protect mature vegetation that is unable to be pruned to comply with the Code of Practice.

Alternative compliance mechanisms that may be considered may include but are not limited to: • Aerial Bundling of cable

• Redirection of existing powerlines

• Installation of spreaders

• Undergrounding of existing powerlines

Any tree identified as requiring an alternative compliance mechanism will be managed with a clear, documented and sound justification to support the application to Energy safe Victoria. Mechanisms will only be requested following a full investigation of all options that may be available to ensure compliance.

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(l) the details of each approval for an alternative compliance

mechanism that (i) The responsible person holds; and (ii) is in effect.

At present Knox Council has not applied for any alternative compliance mechanisms.

(m) A description of the measures that must be used to assess the

performance of the responsible person under the management plan;

The Project Officer-Trees shall maintain records and provide reports and evidence of compliance with the Code at the request of senior management, auditors or representatives of Energy Safe Victoria.

Performance procedures relating to keeping vegetation clear of powerlines are identified in sections (e) to (i) of this Management Plan.

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The following Table sets out the matters to be measured.

• The number of pruning cuts found to be below standard

• The number of trees in breach of the code

• The number of customer requests for pruning

• The number of requests from SP AusNet for pruning

• The number of customer complaints

• The number of alternative approaches to normal pruning adopted

• Reduced pruning cycle

• Removal/Replacement

• Aerial Bundled Cable

• Powerlines rerouted

• Other engineering solutions adopted (n) Details of the audit processes that must be used to determine

the responsible person’s compliance with the Code

The Project Officer – Trees (or a designated representative) of Knox Parks Services shall inspect the work carried out by the contractor, throughout the period that active pruning is taking place. A record of these inspections shall be kept, citing any evidence of sub standard pruning practice. Officers are to have a minimum Level 4 in Arboriculture and at least 3 years of assessing trees experience.

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Internal Audit Program and Audit Frequency Audit roles and responsibilities: Responsibility for internal auditing of compliance lies with the Coordinator of Parks. Recording Audit Results: Audit results will be recoded on Audit Database and maintained at the Operation Centre.

Internal audits shall be carried out from time to time to ensure that all requirements outlined in this Vegetation Management Plan are being met and any non-conformity with the Code is identified.

Action in event of non-compliance

Where remedial action can be satisfactorily carried out by Council Staff or Council’s Contractor, this work shall be put in hand at the earliest possible date.

Where assistance is required by others such as the Distribution Company, their assistance shall be sought to rectify the non-compliance as soon as possible.

Following investigation of non-compliance and the establishment of the cause, the importance of compliance with the Management Plan and the Code will be drawn to the attention of the persons concerned:

On the first occasion they will be given verbal instruction, and the incident recorded on file.

If a second occasion occurs the notification shall be in writing, and the incident recorded on file.

After a third occasion, the training program will be reviewed and more serious action considered.

If a prolonged non-compliance is found by the municipality and normal clearance practices would cause excessive damage to a tree or trees under Council’s care, the municipality will undertake a Risk Management assessment. Following the Risk Assessment, Council will contact Energy Safe Victoria, the Distribution Company and the Council’s Insurers to determine an agreed program to rectify the issue.

(o) The qualifications and experience that the responsible person

must require of the persons who are to carry out the cutting or removal of trees.

The Council shall ensure that all trees are pruned according to AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees as a minimum standard and comply with the 2015 ELC regulations. They further shall ensure that all contractors and employees hold recognised horticultural/arboriculture qualifications and hold current certificates for elevating platform vehicles where these are used to undertake the work. A record of the sighting of these

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documents shall be kept by the Coordinator of Knox Parks Services and shall be updated annually.

The Council shall ensure that the work on trees is conducted by suitably trained workers; with relevant training and certificates such as; Certificate 2 ESI- Power line Vegetation Control or current equivalent, Minimum Certificate 3 Arboriculture, First Aid Level 2, Spotters Certificate, Chipper, Chainsaw, Road Side Signage and Traffic Control, EWP and OHS and refresher training by recognised training authority.

Contractors are also required to notify the relevant power company of any tree works around their assets.

Copy of the Electric Line Clearance Plan available to the public.

(p) notification and consultation procedures, including the form

of the notice to be given in accordance with Division 3 of Part 2 of the Code:

Knox Council will notify all persons likely to be affected by pruning/removal works associated with the clearance of electrical lines at least fourteen (14) days and no later than sixty (60) days prior to commencement of works via letter. Additionally, Council staff will liaise with land holders where requested to ensure they have an understanding of the works to be completed.

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(q) Dispute resolution procedures

For the purposes of this plan a dispute is a situation where the normal processes of consultation and negotiation relating to trees affected by powerlines fail to provide a satisfactory result.

For all disputes between Council and its residents, the chain of command as per the Management Structure below would be followed.

Knox City Council Structure

Management Structure

For all disputes between Council and distribution companies the chain of command above would also apply. In the event that the issue cannot be resolved, then Council may refer the matter to Energy Safe Victoria.

Council

Chief Executive Officer

Director Engineering & Infrastructure

Manager - Operations

Coordinator Active Open Space

Currently vacant, Ph. 9298 8201 Ian Bell, Ph. 9298 8101 Responsible for capital works and management of all Council assets, including buildings, roads, roadside reserves and parks. Also responsible for the design and engineering of new developments. John McCarthy, Ph. 9298 8128 Under direction from the Director – Engineering & Infrastructure. Responsible for the maintenance of Council assets and facilities. Kathy Hynes, Ph. 9298 8722 Under direction from the Manager – Operations. Responsible for the supervision of the line clearance contract and dispute resolution currently in an acting role until position is filled. Dru Taylor, Ph. 9298 8423 Under direction of the Co-ordinator Responsible for carrying out the plan

Project Officer –Trees Knox Park Services

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If the dispute is over an alleged breach of the Code the matter shall be referred to Energy Safe Victoria for determination and advice.

If the dispute is over a breach of License Conditions by a Distribution Company the matter shall be referred to Energy Safe Victoria for determination and advice.

If the dispute is between Council as a customer and a Distribution Company Energy Safe Victoria, whose role is to receive, investigate, and facilitate the resolution of a number of matters including: “Complaints about land matters, including tree clearing issues” shall be contacted.

9(4) A method for determining an additional distance that allows for cable sag and sway may provide for different additional distances to be determined for different parts of a span of an electric line.

Knox is an urban council therefore, the majority of the spans are less than 45 metres in length.. Where spans exceed 45m staff will comply with the table outlined in Schedule 2 of the Electrical Line Clearance regulations (Applicable distances for middle two thirds of a span of an electrical line) Graphs and figures 1-7. Where Council cannot achieve or determine appropriate distances, consultation with the Distribution Company, Owner or Operator will be undertaken to achieve acompliance or determine clearance 10(7)(a) A responsible person must ensure that a copy of the management plan is:- published on the responsible persons internet site. A copy of Councils Electrical Line Clearance Plane can be found at www.knox.vic.gov.au

10(7)(b) A responsible person must ensure that a copy of the management plan is:- available for inspection at the responsible officer in the State during normal business hours.

Copies of the management plan are available for inspection by the public at the responsible person’s principle office during normal business hours.

102 Lewis Road, Wantirna South, 3152

11(2)(a) A responsible person who receives an exemption must ensure that a copy of the exemption is- published on the responsible person’s internet site.

To date Knox has not applied for or received an exemption.

11(2)(b) A responsible person who receives an exemption must ensure that a copy of the exemption is - available for inspection at the responsible persons principal office in the State during normal business hours.

To date Knox has not applied for or received an exemption

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PART 2 Clearance Responsibilities Division 1 - Roles of responsible person 4 Exception to minimum clearance space for structural branches around insulated low voltage eclectic lines. As identified in section 9 – Management Plans of Part 1, the identified responsible Council Officer will ensure compliance to the Electricity Safety (Electrical Line Clearance) Regulations 2015. The responsible Officer will ensure the required clearance space in accordance with this Part and Part 3 of this Code and the Schedule to this Code. Pruning and an annual inspection of all Council declared areas is undertaken by qualified arborist with a minimum qualification of a Certificate 4 in Arboriculture. Council ensures that an annual inspection is undertaken and all branches are pruned away from low voltage lines to maintain the minimum clearance space as follows;

1. Inspection and pruning works are undertaken biennially by Council’s contractor, who records the location of all trees requiring pruning for line clearance on a zone spreadsheet and undertakes the works. The contractor inspects half of the municipality yearly.

2. Council’s Tree Officer - Parks also inspects biennially,by zone but inspects

the half the municipality not allocated to the contractor.Council’s inspector records any additional pruning works required on a palm pilot. This information is then used to generate a work order for issue via Councils works management system. These works are then allocated to a contractor to action so that appropriate clearance space as per Council’s Road Management Act and Electrical Line Clearance Regulations 2015 is maintained.

5 Exception to minimum clearance space for small branches around insulated low voltage electric lines. As identified in section 9 – Management Plans of Part 1, the identified responsible Council Officer will ensure compliance to the Electricity Safety (Electrical Line Clearance) Regulations 2015. The responsible Officer will ensure the required clearance space in accordance with this Part and Part 3 of this Code and the Schedule to this Code. Pruning and an annual inspection of all Councils declared areas is undertaken by qualified arborist with a minimum qualification of a Certificate 3 in Arboriculture. Council ensures that an annual inspection is undertaken and all branches are pruned away from low voltage lines to maintain a minimum clearance space as follows; Inspection and pruning works are undertaken biennially by Council’s contractor, who records the location of all trees requiring pruning for line clearance on a zone spreadsheet and undertakes the works. The contractor inspects half of the municipality yearly. Council’s Tree Officer - Parks also inspects biennially, by zone but inspects the half the municipality not allocated to the contractor..Council’s inspector records any additional pruning works required on a palm pilot. This information is then used to generate a work order for issue via Councils works management system. These

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works are then allocated to a contractor to action so that appropriate clearance space as per councils Road Management Act and Electrical Line Clearance Regulations 2015 is maintained. 6 Exception to minimum clearance for structural branches around uninsulated low voltage electric lines in low bushfire risk areas As identified in section 9 – Management Plans of Part 1, the identified responsible Council Officer will ensure compliance to the Electricity Safety (Electrical Line Clearance) Regulations 2015. The responsible Officer will ensure the required clearance space in accordance with this Part and Part 3 of this Code and the Schedule to this Code. Pruning and an annual inspection of all Councils declared areas is undertaken by qualified arborist with a minimum qualification of a Certificate 4 in Arboriculture. Council ensures that an annual inspection is undertaken and all branches are pruned away from low voltage lines to maintain a minimum clearance space as follows; Inspection and pruning works are undertaken biennially by Council’s contractor, who records the location of all trees requiring pruning for line clearance on a zone spreadsheet and undertakes the works. The contractor inspects half of the municipality yearly. Councils proactive inspector also inspects biennially,by zone but inspects the half the municipality not allocated to the contractor.Council’s inspector records any additional pruning works required on a palm pilot. This information is then used to generate a work order for issue via Councils works management system. These works are then allocated to a contractor to action so that appropriate clearance space as per councils Road Management Act and Electrical Line Clearance Regulations 2015 is maintained. 7 A responsible person who owns or operates a transmission line must: Knox Council does not currently maintain any transmission lines as these are maintained by the power company. Power Company’s are to notify Council’s Responsible Officer of all pruning works within the City of Knox. 8 Responsible person may cut or remove hazard tree. Hazardous trees are identified via the annual inspection process outlined in division 1 (4). Any hazardous tree identified during Council’s inspection program shall be removed/pruned to ensure compliance to the Electricity Safety (Electrical Line Clearance) Regulations 2015. Where pruning works are allocated pruning will be limited so that the tree is pruned not further that 1 metres from the minimum clearance space required. The Arborist will undertake notification to the relevant stakeholders. Where removal is not possible the Arborist will liaise with the distribution company to assist in the rectification of the issue.

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SCHEDULE 1- Code of practice for electric line clearance PART 2- Clearance responsibilities

DIVISION 2 – Manner of cutting and removing trees

9 A responsible person cutting a tree cutting a tree to achieve compliance must, as far as practicable, cut the tree in accordance with AS 4373 as published or amended at the time. This information is covered in Regulation 9(3)(j). 10 Cutting or removal of: - Native Trees - Trees listed in a planning scheme to be ecological, historical or aesthetic

significance. - Trees of cultural or environmental significance Must be minimised The responsible officer shall where appropriate restrict cutting of native, cultural or environmental significance trees to a minimum. These trees will be pruned at a higher frequency to reduce large structural limbs from being removed and ensure clearances are met to make an unsafe situation safe. All tree pruning on the trees as indicated above will be minimised whilst ensuring the 2015 Regulations are adhered to. This vegetation is important as it represents Knox’s most intact natural environment and is a source of genetic material for the rehabilitation of Knox’s natural heritage. Some of this remnant vegetation contains rare or threatened vegetation species or species documented as being of local, regional or State significance. This vegetation is also important for the habitat it provides for indigenous fauna. These trees have been included in VPO 1 area (Appendix B) Knox’s significant vegetation study (Appendix E) highlights trees with important ecological, historical or aesthetic significance; or cultural or environmental significance. Majority of these trees are not affected by line clearances. All trees categorised above are protected by Council Planning Overlays. Vegetation that has been identified as exotic or non indigenous native trees in the municipality which are significant for their beauty and the interest they bring to the landscape. These trees have been included in VPO 2 area (Appendix B)

Remnant overstorey vegetation contributes to Knox’s biodiversity through the trees themselves and the fauna habitat, in some cases it provides protection to waterways and contributes to habitat corridors. Remnant overstorey vegetation also beautifies and adds natural interest to the areas in which it is located. These trees have been included in VPO 3 area (Appendix B) Any of the above trees will identified by a suitably qualified arborist (minimum level 4 in Arboriculture plus the assess tree module and 3 years field experience). 11 Cutting or removing habitat for threatened fauna

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If a tree is the habitat or fauna as listed (above); cutting or removal of that tree must be undertaken outside of the breeding season for that species wherever practicable.

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The method to deal with threatened fauna will be as follows: Fauna shall be relocated to a new environment within the municipality if it is not practicable to undertake the tree maintenance/removal of the tree outside the species breeding season. 12 Restriction on timing of cutting or removal if notification is required This has been covered in Schedule 15 & 16 13 Restriction on urgent cutting of trees This has been covered in Schedule 8 14 Restriction on urgent cutting of trees This has been covered in Schedule 8

Identify Tree

Is the Tree habitat for threatened Invertebrate/Vertebrate within Victoria?

Carry out tree maintenance

Identify breeding season for the species

Can the works be programmed outside the species breeding Period?

Schedule maintenance to be undertaken outside breeding period or once fauna has been relocated.

Can the fauna be translocated to a new environment?

Not practicable – Program works to be undertaken at a minimum to ensure compliance to current electrical regulations and Australian pruning standards.

No Yes

No Yes

Yes

No

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SCHEDULE 1- Code of practice for electrical line clearance PART 2- Clearance Responsibilities

Division 3 Notification, Consultation and Dispute Resolution 15 Responsible person must provide notification before cutting or removing certain trees. Knox Council will notify all affected parties including private residents of any tree maintenance undertaken which may affect the land holder or change the streetscape within that area. The notification would be in a letter form delivered a minimum 14 days before and no more than 60 days prior to works being undertaken. In addition to this Council staff will liaise with land holders to ensure they have an understanding of the works to be completed and implications if any. Knox Council will notify all affected parties including private residents of any tree maintenance proposed to be undertaken on a tree of cultural or environmental significance which may affect the land holder or change the streetscape within that area. The notification would be in a letter form delivered before works are undertaken identifying all actions taken to minimise the impact of these works on any tree of cultural or environmental significance. In addition to this Council staff will liaise with land holders to ensure they have an understanding of the works to be completed and implications if any. 16 Responsible person must publish notice before cutting or removing certain trees Where a tree of cultural significance is to be removed or pruned the land owner and relevant stakeholders shall be notified in writing and consulted with prior to works occurring. The consultation process will be at least 14 days prior to the works being carried out and not more than 60 days prior to commencement of the works. In addition to the notification by letter, an advertisement may be placed in the local paper identifying works to be undertaken to any tree of cultural significance. 19 Dispute resolution This is covered in Regulation 9(3)(q)

Schedule 1- Code of practice for electric line clearance PART 2- Clearance responsibilities

Division 4- Additional duties of responsible persons 20 Duty relating to the safety of cutting or removal of trees close to an electric line The responsible officer will ensure that all prununig of trees around power lines is in compliance with the Electricity Safety (Electrical Line Clearance) Regulations 2015 and safe approach distances. The decision to remove/prune the tree will be made via a visual assessment by a suitably qualified arborist. The assessment will take into consideration and confirm the environmental conditions, adverse weather conditions, vegetation regrowth and likelihood of contact with electrical lines. Council will liaise with owner, operator or distribution companies to ensure safe limits of approach are maintained and safe methods for cutting or removing vegetation is maintained.

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SCHEDULE 1- Code of practice for electric line clearance

PART 3- Minimum clearance spaces Division 2- Alternative compliance mechanisms

31 Application for approval of alternative compliance mechanisms. Where a alternative compliance mechanism is required council will apply to Energy Safe Victoria for approval. The application will include the procedures to be adopted for the commissioning, installation, operating, maintaining and decommissioning an alternative compliance mechanism. This application will take into consideration published standards, location, minimum clearance space, and a copy of a written argument. 32 Formal safety assessment of alternative compliance mechanism. If Council decides to apply for an alternative compliance mechanism a formal safety assessment will be undertaken to identify any hazards associated with the request to the requirements of Energy Safe Victoria.

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APPENDIX A

DECLARED AREA

1

APPENDIX B

VEGETATION PROTECTION OVERLAY

2

APPENDIX C

POWER DISTRIBUTION

3

APPENDIX D

YEARLY PRUNING AREA

4

APPENDIX E

1

2

3

APPENDIX G KNOX DECLARED HBRA SITES

4

APPENDIX G Continued KNOX DECLARED HBRA STREETS

KNOX HBRA STREETS

Street Suburb Lyons Parade Upper Ferntree Gully

Seaby Avenue Upper Ferntree Gully

Railway Avenue Upper Ferntree Gully

Barclay Avenue Upper Ferntree Gully

Glass Road Upper Ferntree Gully

Hughes Road Upper Ferntree Gully

Jean Street Upper Ferntree Gully

Musk Grove Upper Ferntree Gully

Hilltop Road Upper Ferntree Gully

The Boulevard Upper Ferntree Gully

Burwood Highway Upper Ferntree Gully

Glenfern Road Upper Ferntree Gully

Butlers Road Ferntree Gully

Riparian Way Ferntree Gully

Orchid Close Ferntree Gully

Stringybark Drive Ferntree Gully

Beech Close Ferntree Gully

Misthills Court Ferntree Gully

Lady's Walk Ferntree Gully

Jean Street Ferntree Gully

Kia-Ora Parade Ferntree Gully

Walbundry Avenue Ferntree Gully

Hatherly Grove Ferntree Gully

Birdwood Avenue Ferntree Gully

Rona Street Ferntree Gully

Perra Street Ferntree Gully

Railway Road Ferntree Gully

Cathay Street Ferntree Gully

Olivebank Road Ferntree Gully

Liverpool Road The Basin

Dobson Lane The Basin

Basin-Olinda Road The Basin

Sheffield Road The Basin

Pavitt Lane The Basin

George St Wantirna South

Llewellyn Park Drive Wantirna South

Cathies Lane Wantirna South

Burwood Highway Wantirna South

High Street Road Wantirna South

Wantirna Road Wantirna

Wellington Road Rowville

Napoleon Road Lysterfield

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APPENDIX H

Exemptions

Currently Knox has no trees that require an exemption.

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