Tree-lopper fined $1,000 for powerline incident

A 33-year-old man who endangered lives and left more than 2,100 homes and businesses in Melbourne’s north-east without power when he felled a large gum tree into powerlines, was fined $1,000 at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court last month.

On Monday 25 June, Matthew Clarke was found guilty of two charges under the Electricity Safety (General) Regulations 2019 of felling a tree too close to aerial powerlines and damaging protected infrastructure in a manner that put people in danger, while removing a tree from a front yard on Lower Plenty Road in Rosanna.

Energy Safe Victoria’s investigation found Mr Clarke was a sub-contractor of Jim’s Trees at the time of the offending and by utilising the wrong tree-felling technique, he caused the tree to fall uncontrolled across the road and into both high and low voltage powerlines.

The incident on 9 May 2023 was captured on dash-cam and mobile phone footage and shows a series of bright ‘arc’ flashes, flying shrapnel and explosive sounds as the tree branches brought down live powerlines, only narrowly missing workers assisting on the ground.

The court heard the incident also caused a high voltage injection that triggered a power surge and cut power to 2131 homes and businesses. This included close to $65,000 worth of damage to switchboards, appliances, meters, and other infrastructure.

“Conducting work around powerlines, especially arboreal work, carries many risks and must be carried out by a fully trained and qualified arborist or vegetation management professional. It’s lucky that no one was seriously hurt during this incident,” Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said.

“Appropriate planning must be undertaken and proper safety measures must be in place prior to starting work.”

This prosecution follows a complex investigation by Energy Safe Enforcement Officers who attended the scene and gathered and assessed various evidence, including video footage and civilian witness statements, to understand the nature of the incident and those involved.

Guidance for arborists and more information on vegetation management near powerlines is available on the Energy Safe website: www.energysafe.vic.gov.au/arborists

Video footage is available for media use – access and download here.

Media enquiries

April Dudgeon: 0498 188 117 or media@energysafe.vic.gov.au

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