Height clearances are important to ensuring safety under and around transmission lines. There are differences between the existing transmission network and the proposed Western Renewables Link.

For existing AusNet transmission lines, the use of vehicles and equipment such as cranes, excavators, elevated working platforms and the like exceeding 3m in operating height is prohibited under existing transmission lines. A higher operating height limit is subject to sufficient clearances to the conductors and requires the issue of a ‘Permit to Work Adjacent to Exposed High Voltage Electrical Apparatus’.

The proposed Western Renewables Link 500kV transmission line is being designed with a minimum 15m ground clearance. Vehicles and equipment of up to 5m in height will be able to travel and operate under the transmission line without permission from AusNet. Vehicles and equipment between 5m and 8.6m in height may be permitted to operate subject to an AusNet safety assessment. The maximum height of vehicles and equipment cannot exceed 8.6m. The AusNet safety assessment will determine and advise whether a spotter and/or permit to work will be required for your specific property, vehicles, equipment and operations.

More information on safely operating vehicles and equipment under the proposed Western Renewables Link transmission line is available in the Permitted vehicle and equipment heights fact sheet.