Tenterfield's iconic oak trees under threat because of powerline risk
Tenterfield's famous pin oaks may be replaced under a new tree management plan. (Supplied: Sera J Wright)
In short:
A New England region council is grappling with how to preserve its iconic trees while managing risk to power infrastructure.
Essential Energy is advising council plant smaller trees to prevent damage to powerlines.
What's next?
Lismore's MP says she will meet with Tenterfield Council and Essential Energy to work through options.
Each year Tenterfield's trees turn on a spectacular show to herald in the colder months — a vibrant display of oranges and reds attracting visitors and photographers by the thousands.
But the town in the New South Wales New England region has been warned not to plant any more of the iconic trees because of the risk they pose to powerlines.
Clarence Street is lined with pin oaks leading into Tenterfield. (Supplied: Sera J Wright)
Essential Energy said pin oaks, red oaks and cork trees growing into or falling onto powerlines posed a "significant risk" to the electricity network.
Kerri Hampton, who owns a cafe in the town and previously worked at Tenterfield Tourism, said Tenterfield would not be the same without its trees.
Tenterfield's trees attract visitors and photographers. (Supplied: Di Lymbury)
"The deciduous trees and the pin oaks and all of the autumn trees that we have become famous for and developed a festival around are iconic with the town," Ms Hampton said.
"These trees are a critical part of our infrastructure and our economy."
Visitors to Tenterfield's Autumn Festival love the pin oak trees. (Supplied: Sera J Wright)
Council replanting plan
Tenterfield Council has developed a tree management plan that maps the location and health of its trees.
It lists smaller tree varieties, recommended by Essential Energy, to replace diseased or dying trees.
Ms Hampton said she was frustrated funding was not made available to protect the current trees.
"Everyone has known about the degradation of these trees — they do have a life span in the vicinity of 100 to 150 years and we're peaking into that period of time now," she said.
"There has been limited maintenance and programs in place to prevent this degradation and reduce issues around safety.
"This could have been better managed 20 years ago."
Autumn is a popular time in Tenterfield. (Supplied: Di Lymbury)
Tenterfield Mayor Bronwyn Petrie said she would petition Essential Energy to consider undergrounding powerlines so the iconic trees, some which were heritage listed, could remain.
"They have recently advised they will not underground the powerlines as they did on the eastern end of the Casino Road, which has worked magnificently," Cr Petrie said.
"It is a very emotive issue.
"It is a risk thing for council, but this is so important to our identity."
Some of the trees are nearing 100 to 150 years old. (Supplied: Sera J Wright)
Essential Energy said in a statement its primary focus was maintaining a safe and reliable power supply for homes and businesses.
The company said it was not against putting powerlines underground, but it did not the budget required.
Community members fear they will lose their beloved trees. (Supplied: Di Lymbury)
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said she had contacted the council and Essential Energy to discuss the issue.
"I have received emails from locals who don't want to see the trees go. They're beautiful, but a couple are getting to the end of their life," Ms Saffin said.
"We'll do our best to save the trees."