December 1, 2014
The State Government is spending more than $1 million on upgrades to the Peach Trees camping area in the Jimna State Forest.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the upgrades would include new toilets, a sewage treatment plant, road works, fencing and better access to nearby Yabba Creek.
“Peach Trees is a very popular campground, particularly during Easter and Christmas/New Year period, with people enjoying a barbecue and walk along the creek,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Peach Trees is particularly popular with families due to its large, open grassy areas, resident population of Eastern Grey kangaroos, and abundant birdlife.
“These new facilities and infrastructure will ensure visitors continue to have a world-class visitor experience at Peach Trees for years to come.”
Mrs Frecklington said the total Peach Trees upgrade was due for completion in June 2016 and had a budget of $1.023 million.
Three new toilet blocks will be built to replace the existing facilities, with an associated treatment plant meeting stringent environmental requirements.
The first two toilet blocks are planned for completion in early 2015, with the third toilet block by the end of June 2015.
Work on these facilities has started with the existing facilities available through the construction phase.
“We will also be upgrading the access road to the camping area, with this scheduled to start after the coming Christmas-New Year holidays,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Yabba Creek swimming hole, next to the camping area, is very popular and the upgrade will include stabilisation works to the creek bank and access track.
“As well, fencing around the camping area will be replaced, mainly to prevent stock from wandering into the camp grounds from neighbouring lands.”
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said the camping capacity had been reduced to 150 people, through to January 31, to allow for demolition and construction of new toilet facilities.
President of the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and Community, Cheryl Gaedtke, said the Peach Trees upgrade would be a great benefit to the to the economic growth of local businesses, as well as providing greater visitation to the unique ex-timber township of Jimna.
“Peach Trees is such a lovely area for families to spend time with nature in a safe environment and there are also plenty of public forest drives to take to appreciate the beauty of our natural assets,” Cheryl said.
- External link: Peach Trees Camping Area
