Tenterfield's iconic oak trees under threat because of powerline riskCBy Cathy AdamsABC North CoastTopic:Trees42m ago42 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 5:44amTenterfield'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.abc.net.au/news/tenterfield-oak-trees-could-be-removed-risk-to-powerlines/105233800Link copiedShareShare articleEach 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 planTenterfield 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."Posted 42m ago42 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 5:44amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesLittle-known entity comparing Dutton to Trump spends more than $400,000 on political Meta adsTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A man in front of a billboard which says "the parties are the problem"Vote Compass data reveals key issues for respondents ahead of electionTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A graphic shows a smartphone screen showing a graph.'It's just a disaster': Motorists describe chaos on M1 after scrap metal spillTopic:Road Accidents and IncidentsPhoto shows A metal shard embedded in a tyreDutton has 'no doubt' Coalition can win this election, as campaigning nears endLIVEPhoto shows Peter Dutton speaks at lectern Erin Patterson sent 'extremely aggressive' texts to estranged husband, court hearsTopic:CourtsPhoto shows A close up photo of Erin Patterson looking over her shoulder wearing glases.Related storiesAs summer approaches, the government rejects expert recommendations to increase tree cover in Victorian suburbsTopic:TreesPhoto shows Howard Templeton wears a blue jumper over a blue collared shirt and stands with his arms folded in front of chopped trees.Falling trees can cause damage but arborists say they're an acceptable riskTopic:Emergency ServicesPhoto shows car smashed by treeMajor Australian cities fail to pass 'bare minimum' nature standardsTopic:Urban Development and PlanningPhoto shows Boulevard of trees in central MelbourneRelated topicsElectricity Production and DistributionEnvironmental ManagementLocal GovernmentTenterfieldTreesTop StoriesLittle-known entity comparing Dutton to Trump spends more than $400,000 on political Meta adsTopic:Australian Federal ElectionsPhoto shows A man in front of a billboard which says "the parties are the problem"Vote Compass data reveals key issues for respondents ahead of electionTopic:Australian Federal Elections'It's just a disaster': Motorists describe chaos on M1 after scrap metal spillTopic:Road Accidents and IncidentsDutton has 'no doubt' Coalition can win this election, as campaigning nears endTopic:Government and PoliticsErin Patterson sent 'extremely aggressive' texts to estranged husband, court hearsTopic:CourtsJust InCosts and cancellations adding up for fed-up flyers in regional SATopic:Air Transport Industry6m ago6 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 6:20amSnowtown killer's parole bid 'slap in the face', says nephew of victimTopic:Homicide23m ago23 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 6:04amOne Nation staffer reported to corruption watchdog over referrals to law firmTopic:Federal Government33m ago33 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 5:53amHeritage-listed prison building set to become independent schoolTopic:Secondary Education7m ago7 minutes agoFri 2 May 2025 at 6:20amMore Just InBack to top