A program is under way to remove and replace large trees under power lines along seven major streets in Sutherland Shire.
Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce said the targeted trees were in poor health or had poor structure.
The program is a joint enterprise of the council and electricity network operator Ausgrid.
A council statement said the program would improve community safety, power supply reliability, while maintaining the shire’s leafy character.
Trees will be removed and replaced in:
- Waratah Street, Sutherland.
- The Boulevarde and Garnet Road, Kirrawee.
- Bellingara Road, Miranda.
- Kareena Road, Caringbah,
- Port Hacking Road, Sylvania.
- Taren Point Road, Taren Point.
“Residents and businesses in these areas will be notified in writing when works are to commence,” the statement said.
Cr Pesce said, “Trees with poor structure or health under power lines on these streets will be removed and replaced in alternative locations using species that won’t grow to compromise power lines and public safety”.
Ausgrid chief operating officer Trevor Armstrong, “The program will redress past decisions which saw inappropriate types of large trees planted under wires”.
“This is a win-win for the local community,” he said.
“We know how much residents value their street trees but we also know they expect us to maintain a safe and reliable power supply,” he said.
“When we have to frequently trim trees under power lines it can be very difficult to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result, but by working with council we’ll be able to deliver a better outcome.”
The tree removal program will be carried out in May and June, depending on the weather.
“To compensate for the removal of the trees Council will undertake a replanting program with suitable species during September and October,” the statement said.
“The tree species and locations have been carefully selected to ensure that ongoing maintenance by Ausgrid is not required and will also help to maintain the natural leafy character of the Shire.
“The program is expected to have some short term impacts on traffic and will generate daytime noise during the tree removal.”
