Images: Seppeltsfield Road
One of the Barossa’s most photographed drives has been at the centre of community concern this week, after reports suggested the palms lining Seppeltsfield Road could be cut down.
At a Light Regional Council meeting held yesterday, elected members reviewed the future of the iconic avenue, which has become an essential pit stop for locals and tourists visiting the Barossa Valley.
The issue stems from the palms’ steady growth into overhead 33kV powerlines. While annual pruning has kept the clearance distance in check until now, staff from the South Australian Power Networks (SAPN) have raised concerns about the stretch of the avenue, which includes 56 trees on the northern side between the intersection of Radford Road to the east intersection of Nitschke Road (see image below).
The trees no longer meet the separation standards, but the report warns that continued cutting could lead to the death of the trees.
Four options are on the table:
- No action – continuing pruning, which would ultimately see the palms die.
- Removal – cutting down all 56 palms along the stretch near Gnadenfrei Church at an estimated cost of $125,000–$130,000.
- Undergrounding powerlines (partial section) – from Radford Road to Neldner Road, at an estimated $3 million total cost, with council to contribute around $1 million.
- Undergrounding powerlines (entire section) – from Radford Road through to east of Nitschke Road costed at $3.75 million, with council to contribute about $1.25 million.
But Light Regional Council Mayor Bill Close is quick to calm nerves, explaining that cutting down the trees was tabled because the council must present all possibilities.
“Firstly, I think there’s no way the palms will be removed, absolutely not under any circumstances,” he says.
“They are far too important to our community and our tourism industry. The challenge now is finding the funding mechanisms to protect them.”
Close says undergrounding the powerlines is clearly the best solution.
“You can’t prune a palm. Once you cut the top growing point, the tree will die,” he explains.
“That leaves us with only two real options, lift the lines higher or bury them. And the best long-term solution is to underground them.”
Undergrounding poses “substantial financial investment,” costing up to $3.75 million, with the council contributing about $1.25 million.
“As a council we can’t fund millions of dollars ourselves,” Close admits. “These trees are that important, so we need to seek state and federal support, and I’m confident we will.”
This was echoed by Deputy Mayor Michael Phillips-Ryder, who said state support would be “both welcome and appropriate.”
It’s not just locals pushing to save the iconic trees. Close reveals that even the Premier was shocked when told removal was technically listed as an option.
“Both he and the Minister agreed these palms are iconic and cannot be lost,” says Close. “From locals right through to state leaders, the message is clear.”
With SAPN and the Power Line Environment Committee confirming undergrounding qualifies for potential funding support, the next step would be to prepare an application due by April next year. While the logistics and finances are yet to be worked out, the future of the palms themselves looks secure.
“It’s not about removing trees, it’s about making sure they’re there for generations to come,” adds Close.
“Just the other day I was out there and two or three groups of tourists were standing in the middle of the road taking photos.”
“That shows how iconic the avenue is. It’s part of the Barossa’s identity.”
What: Palm tree removal on Seppeltsfield Road
When: Under review
For the council website, click here.
More News
