General News
20 January, 2026
Mysterious object sparks debate
DO they harness the Earth’s atmospheric energy? Do they contain spiritual properties? Or are they simply old-school survey markers?
This was the discussion in a recent Facebook post about mysterious obelisks, or “power towers”, located around the Tablelands, which lured in hundreds of locals to share their beliefs on the topic.
“We are curious about the obelisk located in our yard in Tarzali. We’ve heard there’s a few around. Does anyone know the history behind them?” Facebook user SA Vass said in their post.
A lively debate soon broke out, and conversation revealed similar structures could also be found in Mareeba, Biboohra, Walkamin, Atherton, Malanda, Herberton, Ravenshoe, Tarzali, Tully, and even just “in the bush”.
Many were confident the structures harnessed some type of atmospheric or electromagnetic energy, which supposedly increased the fertility of nearby land, among other things.
Several people also noted that a Ravenshoe man, Bob Mathews (now deceased), built many that remain in the local area.
“I have one built in my yard and it works fantastic, basically works off magnetic area in the ground, at first I thought it was some sort of hippy trippy thingo, but I researched it… and the Druids used these back in the day, it brings fortune, good fruit growth and whatever you need,” Glenn Geerlings commented.
“…My property, s**t you not, grows everything. And fortune? Well, I tell you what I’m worth, but yeah, it’s worth every cent I paid for.”
Petrea Pont commented: “They were built by Bob Mathews… They are placed on grid lines and contain crystals, etc. to attract and enhance energy. There are many on private properties and farms on the Tablelands.”
“Yes, I had one on my farm for that reason, it captured energy from the sun, and it reaches up to 400 metres in radius,” a local farmer replied to Petrea.
Another comment said: “We have one and you can feel the energy when you place your hands on it. I have hundreds of happy frogs here so it’s bringing our place good vibes.”
“…It makes the soil healthier, plants give more flowers and fruit, and the animals and your family will sleep easier,” someone else said.
However, others were skeptical – insinuating the practice was pseudoscientific, or that the objects were merely survey markers.
“They are concrete survey control monuments of the same type used across Australia from the early 1900s through to the mid and late 20th century. Their identification is based on geometry, materials, and construction style, not hearsay,” Liam Rollins said.
Another commenter said: “It’s a survey marker/trig point, essentially a geodetic obelisk. The comments about grid lines, crystals inside, copper conductors and enhancing energy refer to private structures built by individuals on private property, mainly from the 1970s–1990s, when ley lines or earth energy theories were popular. Bob Mathews did build some but yours is not one of them.”
However, this was met with a reply from Scott Collingwood, who said: “I’m a surveyor, this isn’t a survey mark nor trig point.”
Others saw it from a religious perspective: “Occultist, demonic symbolism placed to call upon the awaking of activity of what’s known as “familiar spirits” (demonic spirits). Another distraction to draw people away from Christianity and true salvation.”
Some stayed open-minded: “I’ve not heard of them before, but reading through the comments I’m wondering if they are to do with biodynamic farming.”
While others laid on the sarcasm: “Because the volcanic soils, abundant rainfall, and sunshine just aren’t enough on their own to make the land fertile.”
The jury is still out on whether the obelisk pictured in the post was the work of Bob Mathews, another local “power tower” enthusiast, or whether it was just a survey marker.
Do you have any information or thoughts about these supposed power towers? Submit a Letter to the Editor via email at editorial@theexpressnewspaper.com.au or by visiting The Express office at 186 Byrnes St, Mareeba.
