Key Takeaways
- The Victorian government has set a tree canopy target of 30 per cent in urban areas by 2050
- The government is being accused of being timid in its approach to reducing the minimum clearance from one metre to 30 centimetres for power lines
- Reducing the minimum clearance could boost urban tree cover, save hundreds of millions of dollars in pruning, and create a cooler urban environment
- South Australia has already reduced its minimum clearance to 30 centimetres in low-risk areas without harm
- The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is seeking more evidence before making any changes to the regulations
Introduction to the Issue
The Victorian government has set an ambitious target of achieving a 30 per cent tree canopy cover in urban areas by 2050. However, a leading expert has criticized the government for being too cautious in its approach to reducing the minimum clearance for power lines. The current regulations require a one-metre clearance, which has been deemed excessive by many, including the Municipal Association of Victoria. The association has argued that the current regulations result in excessive pruning and lopping of vegetation, leading to a loss of green canopy and habitat for native fauna.
The Case for Reduced Clearance
Reducing the minimum clearance to 30 centimetres, as has been done in South Australia, could have numerous benefits. For one, it would allow for more trees to be planted in urban areas, boosting the overall tree canopy cover. This, in turn, would help to create a cooler urban environment, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and provide habitat for native fauna. Additionally, reducing the minimum clearance would save hundreds of millions of dollars in pruning costs, as trees would not need to be pruned as frequently. Dr. Greg Moore, a senior research associate with the University of Melbourne, has argued that the proposed reduced clearance "makes a huge difference to streetscapes" and would have numerous benefits for the environment and the community.
The Government’s Response
Despite the support for reducing the minimum clearance, the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has been hesitant to make any changes. The department has stated that it needs more evidence to demonstrate that reduced clearance requirements are safe to apply in Victoria. This has been met with criticism from experts, who argue that South Australia’s experience with reduced clearance has shown that it can be done safely. Energy Safe Victoria, the agency responsible for enforcing the regulations, has also been accused of taking a rigidly prescriptive approach to fire safety. The agency has stated that it recognizes the importance of public feedback in shaping policies, but has not provided details on when and where a trial of reduced clearance might take place.
The Impact on Communities
The current regulations have had a significant impact on communities, particularly in urban areas. Councils face fines for failing to prune trees according to the guidelines, which can result in excessive pruning and lopping of vegetation. This has led to a loss of green canopy and habitat for native fauna, as well as a decrease in the aesthetic value of urban areas. The City of Boroondara, an eastern suburbs council with one of Melbourne’s most extensive tree canopy covers, has strongly endorsed the change. The council has argued that a 30-centimetre clearance would help protect the $1 billion in tree value across the state, lower costs to councils and ratepayers, and support community liveability and climate adaptation.
The Way Forward
As the Victorian government continues to grapple with the issue of tree canopy cover, it is clear that a more nuanced approach is needed. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, the government should consider the specific needs and risks of different areas. This could involve introducing variable clearance requirements, depending on the level of bushfire risk and other factors. Additionally, the government should prioritize community engagement and education, to raise awareness of the importance of tree canopy cover and the benefits of reduced clearance. By taking a more flexible and adaptive approach, the government can work towards achieving its target of 30 per cent tree canopy cover in urban areas, while also protecting the safety and well-being of communities.