UPDATE March 29: The rally has been postponed due to the wet weather at Jimna.
February 14, 2017
Veteran campaigner Dave Wright has refused to give up his fight to save the historic Jimna Fire Tower, despite the fact he expects a final decision about its fate within weeks.
Mr Wright, secretary of the Jimna Forest Action Group Inc (JFAGI), said Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne had two choices:
- Restore the tower with a reconfigured staircase for public use, with the potential to attract a self-funding income, for a cost of $805,254; or
- Demolish it and retain the cabin for a cost of $206,780
JFAGI has written to Mr Byrne and other MPs and government officials seeking a delay in Mr Byrne’s decision until mid-2017 so JFAGI can collect evidence of public support for its preferred option to save the tower from demolition.
“JFAGI feels that, to make an informed decision, the various decision makers should be made aware of the public support factor,” the letter states.
Mr Wright said JFAGI had planned a “Rally To Save Our Aussie Heritage Day” at Jimna on March 25.
He urged supporters to book a campsite at the Peach Trees campground at Jimna over the weekend March 24-26, or plan a day trip to Jimna on March 25 to be part of the rally.
The Jimna Fire Tower is claimed to be the tallest man-made wooden fire tower of its type in the southern hemisphere, and was formerly heritage listed.
It offered 360 degree views over the surrounding forestry areas to visitors until it was closed to tourists in 2006.
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