We have transmission line easements over land along the route of electricity transmission lines in all parts of the State. An easement is essentially a ‘right of way’ for Transend to access electricity infrastructure to undertake essential construction and maintenance work.
Easements are typically 50−60 metres wide and in some cases may extend onto adjacent land. The width of line easements is set for safety reasons. While ownership of the land remains with the property owner, as the owner of the easement we have the right to locate infrastructure in the site as well as access it whenever required. Property owners can use the land as they wish, subject to safety and operational restrictions. Restrictions apply to activities such as erecting structures and buildings, storing materials, undertaking excavation work and lighting of fires.
Trees and other vegetation growing in the easement can threaten the security of the electricity transmission system and may also pose a fire threat to the adjoining property. We manage this risk by preparing and implementing annual management plans for vegetation control work. Property owners are consulted before control work begins and provided with relevant documentation.
The growth of weeds in transmission line easements can also pose a problem and where possible we work with property owners to control their spread. Weeds are also spread by members of the public using easements and we’re keen to raise awareness of this issue.
For more information see 'Living and working with transmission lines'.