Residents of Kingston, Victoria, are rallying to save a centuries-old Algerian oak that stands at the center of a contentious energy project. This inspiring tree used to tower over its neighbors on Werona-Kingston Road. At 16 meters tall with an impressive 31-meter spread, it has dominated the local landscape for more than 130 years. The Western Renewables Link project may put this fabled tree’s future at risk. It threatens to destroy the surrounding ecosystem.
The Western Renewables Link _project_ connects eight renewable energy developments in western Victoria to the grid. This establishes a direct rail link between Victoria and New South Wales. The ambitious initiative is expected to provide enough clean energy to power as many as one million homes. It does so at the serious cost of threatening the Algerian oak and the biodiversity associated with it, like that of platypuses and frogs in the adjacent Birches Creek Nature Reserve.
Local Advocacy Efforts
Jeremy Harper has quickly established himself as the principal voice in the battle to save the Algerian oak. He has successfully orchestrated 4 “Hands-Around-the-Oak” rallies, bringing media attention to the tree’s peril and galvanizing wide-spread community support. Creating awareness about the tree’s importance and cultural relevance, she says, is key to its survival.
“What authority, what government, what body is going to cut down the best tree in the state?” – Jeremy Harper
As advocacy efforts continue, Harper notes that the Algerian oak has been nominated as one of nine finalists in the 2025 Tree of the Year competition. He believes that being crowned this year’s champion can help strengthen their conservation campaign and further highlight the tree’s cultural and ecological significance.
“If we become the winner of the 2025 Tree of the Year, that will help in our campaign to save it,” – Jeremy Harper
The Importance of the Algerian Oak
The Algerian oak has an important place in Kingston’s landscape, rising above the ground as a landmark. More importantly, it creates critical habitats to sustain area wildlife. Its vast canopy and robust trunk provide habitat for various species, making it an integral part of the ecosystem surrounding Birches Creek Nature Reserve.
To local residents, the tree directly represents Kingston’s long history and unique identity. Many express concern over potential environmental repercussions if the Western Renewables Link project proceeds without measures to protect this historic oak.
Project Implications
The Western Renewables Link spokesperson admitted that the community still had valid concerns about the Algerian oak. They highlighted the significance of the project in assisting Victoria’s transition from old, inefficient coal-fired power stations to renewable, stable energy sources. Simultaneously, they are doing everything they can to minimize its effects on their local heritage trees.
“The Western Renewables Link project understands the tree is important to the community and we are investigating the matter.” – Western Renewables Link spokesperson
So far, in spite of these reassurances, Harper has refused to budge from his commitment to promote the Algerian oak. He reiterates that there’s a great deal of work to do in order to firmly influence policymakers and defend this aspirate-requiring natural resource.
“We’ll do everything we can to save it and to influence any politicians and the government to step in to save it,” – Jeremy Harper
