August 18, 2015
The Jimna Forest Action Group Inc – which has been pressuring the State Government for years to re-open the Jimna Fire Tower as a tourist attraction – now plans to approach Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne in an attempt to save the structure from demolition.
Secretary Dave Wright said the group hosted an “open and honest discussion” on July 26 which involved Action Group members, Queensland Government policy advisers and representatives from the South Burnett Branch of the Queensland Labor Party.
Also in attendance was the builder of the tower, Arthur Leis, and his son Gary who presented a display of fire tower memorabilia.
Mr Wright said that after “robust contributions” from a “broad variety of stakeholders”, it was resolved that: “A recommendation to the Honourable Bill Byrne MP Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Sport and Racing, will be considered, to thoroughly evaluate all reasonable alternatives to the demolition of the Jimna Fire Tower, by seeking and investigating expressions of interest from stakeholders and third parties.”
“This positive outcome has opened the door for the introduction of independent professional expertise to make an accurate assessment of the structural condition of the tower and to formulate remedial procedures and costs,” Mr Wright said.
“It has also paved the way for tourism operators and environmental agencies to become involved in discussions regarding the best way forward for the future of this heritage-listed landmark.”
Mr Wright said the Action Group was confident that “many of the structural myths, negative commentary and biased reporting” would be “found to be lacking in credibility and that viable options do exist, and deserve to be tested”.
The 47m tall Jimna Fire Tower is claimed to be the tallest man-made wooden fire tower of its type in the southern hemisphere.
It was closed to tourists in 2006 because of its condition. More than $250,000 has been spent in recent years on repairs to the tower, however it still remains closed.
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