Media release

3 May 2018

Ausgrid and Sutherland Shire Council Tree Removal and Replacement

Ausgrid and Sutherland Shire Council are partnering to improve community safety, power supply reliability, and to maintain the Shire’s leafy character by removing and replacing damaged trees underneath powerlines.

As part of a joint program, trees will be removed and replaced in Waratah St - Sutherland, The Boulevarde and Garnet Road – Kirrawee, Bellingara Road – Miranda, Kareena Road – Caringbah, Port Hacking Road – Sylvania and Taren Point Road - Taren Point.

Residents and businesses in these areas will be notified in writing when works are to commence. “One of the things that residents love best about Sutherland Shire is its leafy streetscape,” said Sutherland Shire Mayor, Cr Carmelo Pesce. “Trees with poor structure or health under powerlines on these streets will be removed and replaced in alternative locations using species that won’t grow to compromise powerlines and public safety”, he said.

Ausgrid Chief Operating Officer Trevor Armstrong said 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. 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 powerlines 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.” Weather dependent, the tree removal program will be carried out in May and June.

To compensate for the removal of the trees Council will undertake a replanting program with suitable species during September and October. 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.