Transmission line easements are acquired by TransGrid to provide adequate clearance along the route of the line for construction and maintenance work and also to ensure that no work or other activity is undertaken under or near the transmission line which could create an unsafe situation either for persons or for the security of the transmission line.
This consultation process is in line with the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (SEPP), the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and the WorkCover Code of Practice for Working Near Overhead Power Lines 2006.
All proposed activities within an easement area require written approval from TransGrid. For such approval, detailed plans drawn to scale and fully dimensioned, showing property boundaries and other relevant information, should be forwarded to TransGrid in accordance with Section 45 of the SEPP.
A number of issues need to taken into consideration at the planning stage when designing the proposed subdivisions and re-development of properties.
All of these items should be addressed in the planning stage and are detailed in the General Subdivision Restrictions. Please contact TransGrid to obtain the General Subdivision Restrictions.
There are statutory responsibilities to maintain adequate clearance between conductors and the trees.
The subdivision should be planned with the adoption of The Right Honourable Harry Gibbs Report (Inquiry into Community Needs and High Voltage Transmission Line Development) recommendations, that being a policy of "prudent avoidance". In practical terms, this means designing transmission lines with regard for their capacity to produce magnetic fields, and siting them having regard to their proximity to houses, schools, work sites and the like. As a general guide, the planning of subdivisions should also follow this policy.