A 120-year-old bottle tree has found new roots at the entrance of New Acland Mine. Likely planted before Australia officially became a nation, the bottle tree was moved from the old Acland Silverleigh Road piggery site.
The delicate project spanned two days and included a specialist arborist who oversaw the relocation of the 25-foot-tall bottle tree.
New Acland Coal (NAC) General Manager, Dave O’Dwyer said the project ensured the preservation of an important part of Darling Downs’ history.
“Estimates suggest the bottle tree dates back to the late 1800s, early 1900s,” Dave said.
“NAC’s Operations and Environment teams oversaw the project, partnering with local contractors Ace of Spades Tree Relocators and Loughlin Crane Hire.
“Their collective efforts mean the bottle tree will be able to thrive for generations to come.”
The re-homing of the 120-year-old bottle tree reinforces New Hope Group’s commitment to environmental sustainability and rehabilitation.
In July, work began on New Acland Mine’s 13.5-kilometre Lagoon Creek Conservation Zone, which will see more than 3,000 trees planted over the next decade.
Stretching through the mining operation, the Lagoon Creek Conservation Zone will see the vegetation corridor along Lagoon Creek widened to more than 100 metres.
