Planning Building Work Near Power Poles and Lines in Queensland

There is no single three-metre building setback that answers every Queensland powerline situation. Planning a structure near electricity infrastructure requires checks for the actual lines and building design. Working safely during construction is a separate assessment.

This guide points you to the relevant Queensland guidance. It does not determine a safe distance for a particular site. Confirm the proposal with your designer, building certifier and electricity distributor before starting work.

Check the lines as well as the pole

The pole's location is only part of the picture. The proposed roof, balcony or other structure must be assessed against the nearby powerlines. Voltage, insulation, the direction of the clearance and the building element affect the applicable minimum. Line movement also matters.

Use Energex's building-near-powerlines guidance with your adviser. Its table describes different clearances for different situations. Do not replace that assessment with a distance measured only from the base of the pole.

Building clearance and a working exclusion zone are different

A building clearance concerns the completed structure and nearby electrical infrastructure. An exclusion zone concerns people, equipment and vehicles during work around live lines.

For work planning, see Energex's exclusion-zone guidance. The applicable zone depends on the powerline and work circumstances. Cranes, scaffolding and delivery vehicles must be considered in the work plan. A compliant final building position does not automatically make every construction method safe.

Do not enter an exclusion zone on the basis of a website article. Obtain the distributor's safety advice and have the work planned by the appropriate qualified people.

Does council approval settle the powerline clearance?

No. Energex notes that council building approval does not guarantee powerline clearances have been checked. Electrical clearances and planning requirements need their own attention, including any easement affecting the property.

Raise the issue before finalising a design or booking equipment. Keep the proposed building dimensions and electrical infrastructure on the site plan so each adviser is reviewing the same proposal.

Who should I contact in South East Queensland?

Identify the actual network operator for the address. Energex is the relevant distributor for many South East Queensland properties; do not use a New South Wales operator's relocation procedure as a substitute.

Ask your licensed electrical contractor and design team to confirm the connection and clearance requirements. If the proposal may affect Energex assets, request advice through Energex before work begins. A retailer account or a pole supplier's quote does not grant permission to move network equipment.

Can the pole be moved?

Relocation may involve a new location, footing, electrical work and changes to network service lines. It needs an assessed scope and the necessary approvals. Confirm ownership first, particularly for boundary poles or shared arrangements.

For an approved private-pole project, we can quote permanent pole supply and installation. This quote is separate from determining whether the proposed building clearance or relocation is acceptable.

What should I gather before asking for advice?

Have the site address and a plan showing the proposed works. Include the dimensions of roofs, balconies or other relevant structures, access needed by machinery and any existing connection records. Note visible asset labels only if you can do so safely from the ground.

Do not approach lines, climb a pole or try to establish voltage yourself. Ask the distributor to identify its infrastructure. Keep written advice with the project documents and review the work plan if the design changes.

What about temporary power during the work?

If construction needs a temporary supply, discuss a temporary power pole with your electrician and supplier. Its position and connection also need assessment. Delivery, installation, network connection and metering are separate arrangements; temporary hire does not guarantee power within 48 hours.

For fallen powerlines, stay well clear and call 000. A planning enquiry or replacement quote is not an emergency response service.