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BILSTON'S TREE

Other Name

BIG TREE, BIG FELLA

Location

Glenmia Road,BRIMBOAL, Glenelg Shire

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
Bilston's Tree is a large over-mature Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) located in a one acre reserve, accessed through an easement from Glenmia Road, approximately 500m from the roadside. The tree is estimated to date from at least 1200 AD and is considered to be the largest millable tree in Australia. The tree was part of local conciousness, and was well known locally by the 1950s. Bilston's tree was saved from being felled for railway sleepers by local community action, headed by the Forestry Officer, Mr. W. Flentje who alerted the communtiy to the proposed felling. The tree was saved in 1963 after negotiation with the land owners at the time and the logging company. A reserve of one acre and an easement to allow access was purchased from the owner. The tree survives with excellent integrity, and is in very good condition for its age.

How is it significant?
The tree is of aesthetic and social significance to the Gleneg Shire.

Why is it significant?
Bilston's tree is of aesthetic signficance for its great age, size and its claim as the largest millable timber tree in Australia. The relationship between the viewer and the tree is dramatic, and provokes thought about the fate of many other Eucalyptus camaldulensis and other trees which have been felled for timber in Victoria and Australia. It is of social significance as it represents an early conservation movement and recognition of significant trees in the landscape. Most unusually, it illustrates an early recognition of an indigenous tree's value for more than timber, but for its outstanding aesthetic and historical values.

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