When Cyclone Marcus, Category 2, hit Darwin seven years ago, two realisations dawned on the community, and promises were made to address key issues. The government resolved that above-ground power lines needed to be progressively moved underground due to frequent, lengthy power outages caused by falling or fouled overhead lines. The second was the need for local and territory governments to be aware of the need to trim trees to avoid contact with power lines. 

Underground powerlines quickly stalled due to cost. The project was de-prioritised. The risk of branches contacting power lines has never been addressed.  

As for trees that might fall over in strong wind due to instability based on both height and the angle of main trunks – forget it. Governments get an ‘A’ for planting trees and an ‘F’ for care and maintenance. Once planted, trees grow wild and free.

Cyclone Fina has revisited the inconveniences, hardships, and massive clean-up costs we confronted following Marcus – only this time, more severely and drastically.  Will prevention priorities be revisited?