Community
25 June, 2024
Trees to get the chop
NEARLY 400 trees are to be chopped down at Mt Sheridan to protect the electricity network.
Chris Garlick of Powerlink said community input was being sought on how “we go about this work after it was identified that around 385 trees would also need to be removed along Powerlink’s high voltage underground cable easement which runs from our Bayview Heights to White Rock transition stations”.
“These trees are deemed to be placing the underground high voltage cables at risk, particularly during storm and cyclone season,” he said.
“Community consultation will include door knocking of residents of Forest Gardens Estate, Mount Sheridan, who are located near the underground cable easement and a series of drop-in sessions.
“We will be seeking input on two proposed options which all include how we conduct the vegetation management work and how we restore the area with new vegetation or other amenities.
“Since the underground cables were installed, there has been significant development in the Mount Sheridan area, including the residential Forest Gardens Estate. Over time, vegetation has grown around the underground cables and easement.
“Planning is underway for essential works to ensure the continued secure supply of power.
“Works are required along sections of the underground cables and easement located in Mount Sheridan’s Forest Gardens Estate and include:
vegetation management along the easement, including selected removal of about 385 trees identified as being a high or future risk to the underground cables
easement restoration, including replanting with compatible vegetation
refurbishment works at two joint bay sites located near Alpinia Terrace and Amazon Close.
“We are targeting commencement of these essential works in late July 2024 and activities will be delivered over an approximate three-to-four-year period, due to the wet season and extent of works required.
“We will minimise impacts wherever possible, and keep residents and the community updated on start and finish dates for all planned works.”
Powerlink is planning to stage the vegetation removal and easement restoration works and is seeking community feedback on two proposed options.
Proposed option one involves tree removal and restoration works over three years, between 2024 and 2026. The second option is over four years – 2024-27.
Visit: powerlink.com.au/bayviewheightswhiterock
