MACEDON RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL ELECTRIC LINE CLEARANCE M A N A G E M E N T P L A N 2014 – 2015 Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 1 of 20 Table of Contents (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) Name, Address and Telephone Number of the Responsible Person………………….......3 Name, Position, Address and Telephone Number of the Person who was responsible for the Preparation of the Management Plan………………………………………………......3 Name, position, address and telephone number of the persons who are responsible for carrying out the Management Plan………………………………………………………...3 Name, Position, Address and Telephone number of the Persons who are responsible for carrying out the Management Plan………………………………………………………...4 The objectives of the plan:………………………………………………………………...4 The land to which the management plan applies by the inclusion of a map………………..4 The location of areas containing trees which may need to be cut or removed to ensure compliance with the Code……………………………………………………………...5&5 The means which the responsible person is required to use to identify a tree specified in paragraph (g);……………………………………………………………………………...6 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…………………………………………………………………………………..7 A description of the measures that must be used to assess the performance of the responsible person under the management plan………………………………………...12 Details of the audit processes that must be used to determine the responsible person's compliance with the Code……………………………………………………………….13 The qualifications and experience that the responsible person must require of the persons who are to carry out the cutting or removal of trees……………………………………………………………………………………...13 APPENDIX 1: Declared Area Maps: Kyneton and Gisborne……………………………15 Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 2 of 20 ELECTRIC LINE CLEARANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN SUBMITTED BY: Name: Macedon Ranges Shire Council Date: July 2014 The following sections are as per Regulation 9(3) (Management Plans) of the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010. (a) Name, Address and Telephone Number of the Responsible Person. Name: Address City/Shire Office Telephone No. City/Shire Office Facsimile No.: Name of Chief Executive: (b) Name, Position, Address and Telephone Number of the Person who was responsible for the Preparation of the Management Plan. Name: Position: Business Address: Telephone No: Mobile: Facsimile No: Email Address: (c) Macedon Ranges Shire Council P.O. Box 151, KYNETON, VIC, 3444 5422 0333 5427 4803 Mr Peter Johnston Mr. Shane Power Operations Manager P.O. Box 151, KYNETON, VIC, 3444 5421 0808 0419 750 451 5427 4803 spower@mrsc.vic.gov.au Name, position, address and telephone number of the persons who are responsible for carrying out the Management Plan. Name(s): Position(s): Business Address(es): Telephone No.(s): Facsimile No.(s): Email Address: Mr. Mark Doering Arboriculture Officer P.O. Box 151, KYNETON, VIC, 3444 Mobile: 0408 088 846 5427 4803 mdoering@mrsc.vic.gov.au Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 3 of 20 (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. Name: EMERGENCY TELEPHONE No (e) Various rostered on-call staff 5422 0333 (24/7) The objectives of the plan: The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to maintaining the space between the vegetation and powerlines (clearance space) under its control in accordance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010 (the Code), to minimise the risk to public safety and interruptions to the power supply. The following are identified as the key objectives of this plan in fulfilling Councils duties set out in the Code. (f) Public Safety; Compliance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010; Management of vegetation to maximise the amenity value of the Council’s trees; Protection of areas of important vegetation which may be deemed as such on the basis of those areas listed in a planning scheme to be of ecological, historical or aesthetic significance or trees of cultural or environmental significance and habitat of rare and endangered species; Ensure the management procedures balance fire safety, reliability of the power system, conservation values and cost, in the best interest of the community; Ensure maintenance procedures minimise the impact on the vegetation; Provision of a safe workplace for employees and contractors; and Community satisfaction with the manner in which the necessary works are carried out The land to which the management plan applies by the inclusion of a map Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Declared areas of Kyneton and Gisborne are illustrated in Appendix 1. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 4 of 20 (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 ii native; listed in the planning scheme to be of ecological, historical or aesthetically significant; or iii trees of cultural or environmental significance. The predominant categories of vegetation subject to this Management Plan consists mainly of exotic sp. Ulmus sp. Quercus sp. mixed with native vegetation. Listed below is a list of Significant Trees contained within the Declared Areas registered under the National Trust of Australia. Species Abies Nordmanniana - Caucasian Fir Araucaria Bidwillii - Bunya Bunya Pine Cedrus Atlantica F. Glauca – Blue Atlas Cedar Chamaecyparis Paris Funebris - Funeral Cypress Cupressus Lusitanica - Mexican Cypress Ginkgo Biloba - Maidenhair Tree Jubaea Chilensis - Chilean Wine Palm Prunus Lusitanica Variegata - Variegated Portugese Laurel Quercus Agrifolia - Californian Live Oak Quercus Canariensis - Algerian Oak Quercus Douglasii - Blue Oak Quercus Leucotrichophora - Himalayan Oak Quercus Macrocarpa Var. Oliviformis Burr Oak Quercus Robur - English Oak Quercus Suber - Cork Oak Sequoia Sempervirens - Coast Redwood Sequoiadendron Giganteum - Sierra Redwood Location Township Tree at Kyneton Botanic Gardens, near playground, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, along Clowes Street, Mollison Streets, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, s-w of drinking fountain, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Kyneton Botanic Gardens,Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, southern edge, west of caravan park, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, S-E of residence within caravan park, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Kyneton Botanic Gardens, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens,Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, south of Kiosk, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Kyneton Botanic Gardens, near barbeque, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, south of Kiosk, Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Tree in Kyneton Botanic Gardens, near curator's shed,Mollison Street, KYNETON, Macedon Ranges Shire Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Kyneton Page 5 of 20 Trees of cultural or environmental significance There are no known trees of environmental or ecological significance set out in (ii) or (iii) listed in Councils declared areas of Kyneton & Gisborne. There are no known trees of habitat significance for rare or endangered species listed in Councils declared areas as per the following; (a) Included in the Heritage Register within the meaning of the Heritage Act 1995; or (b) Included in the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register established under section 144 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006; or (c) Flora or a habitat of fauna listed as threatened in accordance with section 10 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Please refer to Appendix 1. for maps of Council declared areas of Kyneton and Gisborne. (h) The means which the responsible person is required to use to identify a tree specified in paragraph (g); Councils Arboriculture Officer will conduct an inspection of the declared areas of Kyneton and Gisborne every six months. The inspection will identify areas adjacent to the clearance space or regrowth space and trees which could become a hazard under adverse weather conditions which could prevail in the area. The nominated contractor will also conduct inspections prior to annual pruning and also inspect any trees which could affect lines. Council shall maintain a record of its tree inspections at the Council Civic Centre. By maintaining the annual inspection and cutting program and allowing for growth for individual species no urgent pruning or clearing should be required. Ongoing monitoring by visual assessment of the regrowth rates of Council’s trees growing under powerlines will be undertaken to ensure continued compliance. Unexpected encroachment or regrowth of vegetation will be actioned accordingly by appropriately trained field personnel. This includes fallen trees or branches requiring removal or clearance to maintain the required clearance space. There are no known trees of environmental or ecological significance listed in Councils Declared areas within the vicinity of powerlines that require pruning or clearing to ensure compliance with the Code. Where these are identified in the future, all maps and information available to the Councils will be used to monitor these areas to ensure that minimal impact is made in the event of works being required. All pruning will take place in accordance with the code of practice Pruning Amenity Trees AS43732007, and where practicable, pruning may be undertaken using elevated work platforms or other similar methods in an effort to minimise overall site damage. Council will as far as practicable, restrict cutting or removal of native trees or of cultural or environmental significance to the minimum extent necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of the code, the schedule to the code or to make an unsafe situation safe. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 6 of 20 Habitat Trees No habitat trees for rare or endangered species are known to exist in the area to which the management plan applies. Where these are identified the following process will be followed: Where Council intends to cut or remove a tree that has been identified as habitat for fauna listed as: a) threatened in accordance with section 10 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988; or b) listed in the Threatened Invertebrate Fauna List with a conservation status in Victoria of "vulnerable", "endangered" or "critically endangered"; or c) listed in the Threatened Vertebrate Fauna List with a conservation status in Victoria of “venerable”, “endangered” or “critically endangered.” Council will undertake cutting or removal of the tree outside of the breeding season for that species. Where it is not practicable to undertake cutting or removal of the tree outside of the breeding season for that species, translocation of the fauna will be undertaken wherever practicable. All records will be filed at the Council Office and kept for a minimum of 5 years. Trees of Value Council will record trees/stand of trees that are considered “trees of value” with the intention to apply for an exemption under clause 10 of the 2010 Line Clearance Regulations and will apply a risk management approach to these particular trees/areas. The following information will be recorded for each tree/stand of trees to determine if they qualify for an exemption. : Tree location – easting and northing Why the tree is deemed to be a tree of value Adjoining property address (auto generated from council’s cadastral information layer) Tree genus and species Power-line construction type The voltage(s) the tree is affecting A priority code to allow risk management (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 ii managing trees; and maintaining the clearance space, required by the Code, between electric lines and trees. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 7 of 20 Identification of Work Required A detailed inspection of trees located within the declared area is conducted annually by Councils nominated Vegetation Management Company in accordance with the Regulations and Councils contract specification for maintaining the statutory clearance space between vegetation and powerlines. Methods undertaken for the clearance of vegetation under powerlines will be in accordance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010. In making these evaluations and before deciding on the most appropriate method, due consideration is given to the site's specifics, including: the significance of the site as a natural habitat of endangered species of both flora and fauna; relocation of the powerline from the vegetation evaluating the savings achieved by avoiding the recurrent costs of cutting and assessing the benefits of implementing available and practicable alternative construction methods; the significance and public value of the site's aesthetics; the impact on the tree's amenity and utility value if subjected to pruning versus removal; opportunity to replace with a more suitable species over time; the environmental impact of proposed works; the sites suitability to accept more appropriate species as replacements; determining the most appropriate method of actioning the offending vegetation concerned. appropriate planning and scheduling; identification and quantification of equipment and accredited personnel required; funding; community and customer consultation; all work is carried out in accordance to AS 4373 – 2007 Pruning of amenity Trees; Compiling a data base in conjunction with Powercor Australia that can be used in future years in determining costs associated with different clearance techniques. Clearance Cycle Council has determined that electric line clearance pruning will be undertaken on an annual cycle. This period provides the greatest opportunity to maximise the amenity value of its street trees. A qualified and trained contractor has been appointed to undertake annual inspections and provide a report of findings to Councils Arboriculture Officer. Works of any pruning requirements are to ensure the street trees remain clear of electrical lines. Each inspection shall be fully documented and each street visited shall be identified. The nonconformities shall be noted and a record of the inspection shall be maintained at the Council Office for a minimum of 5 years. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 8 of 20 Hazardous bush fire risk areas (HBRA) are audited at the same time of the annual inspection audit, which is conducted during September to November of each year and any follow up works are carried out during the months of November to January. The contractor is required to prune the street trees so that the clearance space is in accordance with the Regulations. The contractor will report to Council the extent of regrowth observed from each species. The Council will utilise this information to evaluate the growth rates and size of all trees near powerlines and then take appropriate action to remove fast growing and tall trees and replace with appropriate species or replace powerlines with engineering solutions. The following outlines the decision making process with regard to maintaining line clearance. Are the branches of the tree going to penetrate the clearance space required according to line voltage and area category of the electric line during the period of the next pruning cycle? If no: Inspect the tree prior to next powerline pruning cycle to identify unforseen growth and hazards. If Yes: 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? If Yes: Prune tree according to AS-4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Vegetation (as amended) If No: Weigh options of a shorter pruning cycle, tree removal, or cable replacement with Aerial Bundled Cable or undergrounding, or other options as set out in the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2010. The decision will be based upon costing of the options in terms of tree value, works cost and the surrounding environment of the tree. Council’s Arboriculture Officer or representative will make the decisions regarding the appropriate process to follow in order to maintain line clearances, after consultation with other relevant departments and/or other authorities as necessary, taking into account the availability of funds for replacement works based on a clear cost-benefit analysis. Resident consultation to be carried out if tree are to be removed. All methods undertaken for the clearance of vegetation under powerlines will be in accordance with the Code. Note: For the purpose of this Plan, a hazard tree is a tree that possesses hazardous faults which if not actioned, will negatively impact distribution assets. These tree’s may possess characteristics such large cavities, severe decay, major cracks etc. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 9 of 20 Maintenance of Clearance Space Identification of Work Required The Shire will identify the areas, which require line clearance in its tender documents. The tender contract obliges the successful tenderer to maintain appropriate clearance space in these areas at all times. Annual trimming is proposed. An inspection of the entire declared areas by the Contractor wlll be undertaken every twelve months. In that inspection, trees which are in breach of the Code will be identified. In addition any trees which are determined to be likely to breach the Code in the next six months are also to be identified. This inspection should also include the identification of any hazards outside the clearance and regrowth spaces that may require correction. The results of this survey will be conveyed to the contractor within one (1) week of completion, at which time the contractor will have one (1) week to indicate their ability to deal with the current breaches of the Code and identified hazards. If the current contactor is unable to expediently deal with these problems, the Contractor must then find an alternative provider who can deal with the breaches and hazards in a timely manner. Each inspection shall be fully documented and each street visited shall be identified. The nonconformities shall be noted and a record of the inspection shall be maintained in the Shire offices. Notified Work Required Locations notified by the distribution company or any other interested party as requiring attention to maintain powerline clearance which are the responsibility of the Council will be assessed by the Arboriculture Officer as soon as practical following receipt of the notice. Assessment of Regrowth Space The Arboriculture Officer will observe and record the rate of growth of species under the growing conditions through a “6 month compliance check”, which prevail in the shire and apply these observations when determining the extent and frequency of pruning. Emergency Clearing The Arboriculture Officer will convey to the contractor, the site of any prunings notified by the Distribution Company as being the result of emergency clearing. The work of removing the prunings will be programmed by the contractor. Hazardous Trees If a person identifies a hazardous tree as likely to fall onto or otherwise come into contact with an electric line a responsible person may cut or remove the tree provided thata) the tree has been assessed by a suitably qualified arborist; and b) the assessment confirms the likelihood of contact with an electric line having regard to foreseeable local conditions Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 10 of 20 The assessment is to be performed by a ‘suitably qualified arborist’ as defined in the Code. The assessment is to be visual and take into consideration local knowledge with respect to environmental conditions and vegetation regrowth Notification Notification of Councils program of works will be undertaken in accordance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulation’s 2010. Prior to the commencement of works affected persons shall be notified by an advertisement in a local newspaper. Notification will be at least 14 working days prior to the commencement of the work and not more than 60 days before the intended cutting or removal is to occur. If there is to be a removal or “clearing” of trees then “affected persons” will be notified as per the Code. Decisions on removal or “clearing” of trees will be in accordance with Council’s maintaining line clearance decision making process. Alternative methods that may be adopted to maintaining the clearance space The following alternative methods may be adopted for maintaining clearance if a person objects to the methods proposed by Council. Reduced pruning cycle Removal/Replacement with suitable species Use of Aerial Bundled Cable Powerlines to be re-routed Undergrounding of powerlines Other engineering solutions The costing of alternative methods would be negotiated in consultation with Powercor. Urgent Pruning A responsible person that has undertaken urgent cutting or removal in accordance with this clause must, as soon as practicable after completing the cutting or removal, give notice of that cutting or removal to: a) b) c) all affected persons; and the occupier of the land on which the tree was cut or removed; and if a tree was removed – the owner of the land on which the tree was removed Council will not remove or cut trees further than 1 metre from the minimum clearance space when urgent works are to be performed under subclause (2)(a) and (2)(d). Notice for urgent cutting will be given to affected persons within two (2) working days after the works in the event that the affected persons are not contactable at the time of the works. If the affected persons are not contactable at this time then written notice will be sent in the mail. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 11 of 20 A responsible person that has undertaken any urgent cutting or removal in accordance with this clause must record the following details: a) where and when the cutting or removal was undertaken; b) why the cutting or removal was undertaken c) the last inspection of the section of the electric line where the cutting or removal was required These records will be kept on Council’s Intranet for a period of five (5) years. Site locations for availability of the plans a) A responsible person must ensure that a copy of the management plan is available for inspection by the public at the responsible person’s principal office in the State during normal business hours A copy of this document will be available in the customer service centre at: 1. 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne; 2. 129-141 Mollison St, Kyneton; and 3. 81 Old Lancefield Road, Woodend If a dispute arises between the responsible person for carrying out the plan and a member of the public, the dispute should be forwarded in writing to the person responsible for resolving disputes within 30 days. If the dispute is not resolved by this method the dispute will be referred in writing to the Energy & Water Ombudsman (Victoria Ltd). (j) A description of the measures that must be used to assess the performance of the responsible person under the management plan. 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-conforming with the Code is identified. Measures to be used to assess the Council performance under the Management Plan include: The number of trees found in breach of the Code during the annual surveys. The number of pruned trees found to be below AS 4373-2007. The number of trees cleared to each pruning cycle and the average pruning cycle. Number of customer requests for electric line pruning receive by the Council. Number of Powercor requests for electric line pruning receive by the Council. The number of customer complaints. Number of alternative approaches to normal pruning adopted. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 12 of 20 (k) Details of the audit processes that must be used to determine the responsible person's compliance with the Code. The Council shall ensure that all vegetation is pruned according to AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Vegetation, as a minimum standard. The Council Officer or delegate 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, and excess pruning or clearing in an effort to identify and promptly action non conformities. Where remedial action is required and it can be carried out by Council staff or the Council’s contractor, this work shall be dealt with as soon as practical. Where assistance is required by others such as the distribution company, then a consultation process shall be used to assist in attending to the non-compliance as soon as possible. Following investigation of the 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 and kept on file. if a second occasion occurs the notification shall be in writing, and the incident recorded and kept on file. after a third occasion, the training program will be reviewed and more serious action considered if it is the same offender. (l) The qualifications and experience that the responsible person must require of the persons who are to carry out the cutting or removal of trees. Macedon Ranges Shire shall ensure that all Contractors and employees hold appropriate certificates for both themselves and their equipment that legally entitles them to undertake the work. A record of the citing of these documents shall be filed at the Council Depot, and on personal files. The qualifications required by Council are identified below and must include the satisfactory completion of an ESV approved training course in tree clearing, specifically a current Limits of Approach (Electrical Systems Identification and Powerline Clearance Distances, Module NUE260) qualification or equivalent. All contractors engaged by Council are required to meet these minimum qualifications and training conditions and must participate in a pre-commencement of works induction. Contractors undertaking works on behalf of Council will hold certificates appropriate for the individual tasks carried out and will include as a minimum: Certificate level IV in Horticulture and Arboriculture (including the “Assess Trees” module), or an equivalent qualification and at least three years of field experience in assessing trees; A current Limits of Approach (Electrical Systems Identification and Powerline Clearance Distances, Module NUE260) qualification or equivalent; Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 13 of 20 Line Clearance Certificate; OH&S Work Platform certificate (EWP licence (If 2 man bucket and no ticket, can be “under instruction’ with a licensed person); Chainsaw Certificate (Safe use of Chainsaw); Manual Handling; Noise Conservation; First Aid Level One; Horticulture/Arboriculture Certificate; Traffic Control Certification; Wood Chipper Operation training; and Road Traffic management at Worksite Councils Contractors must also follow the minimum distances specified in the Electricity Safety (Installation) Regulations 2009 (specifically outlined in regulation 318 and 319) when undertaking tree clearing works and comply with the limits of approach as outlined in the Blue Book. Notification of affected parties will also be undertaken as per the requirements of the Code. In a situation where a tree that is likely to fall onto or otherwise come into contact with an electric line is identified, this tree will be assessed by a suitably qualified arborist who holds the qualification of National Certificate Level IV in Horticulture and Arboriculture (including the “Assess Trees” module), or an equivalent qualification. The assessment will take into account foreseeable local conditions and consider the classification of the tree. Based on the arborist assessment and recommendations, the hazard tree will be actioned in compliance with the Code. Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 14 of 20 APPENDIX 1: Declared Area Maps: Kyneton and Gisborne Kyneton Declared Area Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 15 of 20 Kyneton Low Rating Area Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 16 of 20 Kyneton Low Rating Area (green) Declared Area (brown) Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 17 of 20 Gisborne Low Rating Area (green) Declared Area (brown) Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 18 of 20 Gisborne Low Rating Area (green) Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 19 of 20 Gisborne Declared Area (brown) Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2014-2015 Page 20 of 20