YARRA: Excessive tree pruning, says resident


City of Yarra resident Shane Delphine has told the local Council that street trees are “under constant assault” by excessive pruning necessitated by compliance with Electric Line Clearance Regulations.
“When this matter was last addressed by officers in December 2023 hope was expressed that a review in 2025 would result in the emergence of more sensible pruning regulations for urban areas,” the October 14 municipal meetingt was tolf.
Yarra General Manager Infrastructure and Environment Sam Hewett (pictured) said that the
State Government announced in June that the existing electric line clearance regulations were being extended for a further 12 months while it continued work on drafting new regulations.
“The new draft regulations are expected in the coming months and we’re advised that consultation will then be required.
“Council’s position has not changed – that clearance obligations for Yarra’s street trees
are too harsh – and we intend to continue to advocate for changes to the regulations for local government areas like ours,” Mr Hewett said.