General News
28 April, 2026
Distress over the removal of iconic bamboo
ONE of the last remaining clumps of bamboo at Yungaburra, which were planted by locals to commemorate soldiers lost during World War l, will be removed by Ergon to make way for power infrastructure needed for new housing.
Locals are upset that Ergon will remove one of the last 3-4 clumps still standing out of the 20 that were planted by the Kehoe and Williams families after the war to remember soldiers from the area who died during the conflict.
The bamboo was originally planted as a 500m avenue from the Peterson Creek bridge to the Yungaburra Hotel. Over the years, around 16 clumps of the bamboo have been removed – some because of development, others due to concerns they were a traffic hazard, and others because the plants were in danger of touching high-voltage powerlines.
Now, Ergon wants to remove another clump near Russell Bathe’s property and he is not happy.
Mr Bathe has spoken to Ergon and suggested there was an alternative route to provide the power to the new homes but has had no luck, and approached Tablelands Regional Council to see whether it would oppose the bamboo removal.
“There’s only about 3-4 of these bamboo clumps left – I spoke to Ergon about another route they could use for the power connection but they said it was too expensive,” he said.
“I have also written to council because the bamboo was deemed culturally significant some years ago – I asked them how come it’s culturally significant one day but the next day it’s not because it doesn’t suit you.
“Ergon also never even came and consulted me – I’m going to end up with a power pole and stay on my footpath when they take this clump out.”
Mr Bathe has also spoken to the descendants of the people who planted the bamboo and says they are “distressed” to hear more of the clumps were being removed.
In 2000, the former Eacham Shire Council declared it would protect and preserve the historic plantings but did agree that some of the clumps had to be removed due to them threatening powerlines.
In 2014, Kerry Kehoe and Peter Williams wrote to TRC complaining of what they described as “wilful damage” to some of the bamboo and strongly urged council to ensure its future protection.
The Express approached Ergon and TRC about the matter and was advised that the clumps would be removed.
“Council is satisfied Ergon has done its due diligence on bringing power to the new lots with the least environmental impact,” TRC Mayor Rod Marti said.
“While Ergon investigated alternative placement for the new powerline, the alternative option would have resulted in a greater environmental impact, including removing multiple trees that have been planted by the Yungaburra community.
“Council and Ergon are fully cognisant of the significance of the bamboo plantings as a memorial to fallen soldiers in the First World War, as well as the strong connections with local pioneering families.
“There are five bamboo clumps along the roadside, and the works require the removal of one of those clumps. It will not diminish the prominent place the bamboo holds on that western entry to Yungaburra, and it will continue to hold its significant memorial status.”
An Ergon spokesperson said the proposed powerline route was the most cost-effective and efficient solution with the least environmental impact.
“The alternative line route would involve clearing trees that have been planted by the community to improve their amenity,” she said.
“While people may plant bamboo with the best of intentions, it is considered an invasive species in Queensland.”
