Saving an iconic bottle tree takes patience and sometimes, a 20 tonne crane.
Landholders Brett and Di Griffin are happy that Powerlink did the 'heavy lifting’ to protect a bottle tree that was on the easement traversing their property."We had been working with the Griffins for a while and their wish was for this tree, an iconic species in the area, to be protected if possible, so we had discussions about the possible options," said Powerlink Landholder Relations Advisor Bill Oram.
"We usually have choices that include cutting a tree down and milling the timber for the landholder, planting other native trees on the property, or engineering powerlines over existing vegetation if the trees are below certain height limits," Bill said.
"In this case we worked in collaboration with Brett and Di to come up with another solution."
After consultation with an arborist and Brett and Di, Powerlink arranged for the tree to be lifted by a 20 tonne crane and transported approximately four kilometres to a new position near the Griffin homestead.
"Together we found a solution that saved the tree, met the landholder’s expectations, and allowed construction to proceed on schedule," Bill said.
"The bottle tree has now sprouted new leaf and looks very happy in its new home."
