May 18, 2026
Members of the Bunya Mountains Community Association Inc gathered for lunch on Sunday to mark 10 years since the group was formed.
The BMCAI is made up of local residents and landholders in the areas around the National Park and advocates on their behalf with the two councils that cover the mountains, ie. the South Burnett Regional Council and the Western Downs Regional Council.
The inaugural president of the association was former South Burnett Mayor and local businessman Wayne Kratzmann with Jen Hintz as secretary and John Learmont as treasurer.
Over the years, the group has worked on a number of projects, including helping to develop community safety plans, raising dingo awareness and hosted events including dinners, art shows and musical events.
Special guests at Sunday’s lunch at Lyrics Restaurant included BMCAI past president Ian Harris and his wife Margaret, as well as South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff and local councillor, Deputy Mayor Linda Little.
BMCAI president Noel Noack welcomed the guests.
A powerpoint presentation tracing the activities of the association over the years was shown before a cake was cut.
Secretary Carol Weekes said membership had grown steadily since 2016.
There were now 101 members as well as 13 associate members (former residents who had moved away from the area but wanted to keep in touch).
The BMCAI’s big project at the moment is the development of a Bunya Mountains Community Centre.
In December last year, South Burnett Regional Council voted to approve an application for a Development Permit for Material Change of Use for the centre, which will be built at 3384 Bunya Mountains Road.
The BMCAI has now begun a major fundraising drive to turn the proposal into a reality.
