In 1924, South AUstrailian James Stobie invented a steel and concrete pole to carry Electricity and Telephone lines, due to the lack of timber. A particular impetus for thier invention was the need for a reliable supply of poles for the expansion of Electricity into the country side. Stobie Poles have other advantages too as they are Termite proof and have a life span of around 50 years. All Stobie Poles end at the South Australia border, with most other states preferring woodern Telegraph poles.