Peach Trees Day Use Area and Camping Grounds provide an ideal central location for visitors to discover the myriad of tracks and forest drives that traverse the Jimna State Forest and Conondale National Park.

It is encouraging to report this week, that the Queensland Government Department currently legally responsible for the Jimna Fire Tower, that is; Forestry Plantations Queensland FPQ, has assured the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group JFTAG that a regular maintenance schedule is in place for the upkeep of the tower site grounds. This assurance was given in reply to JFTAG concerns that, with the growing season upon us, and without regular mowing etc the tower site was in danger of becoming overgrown and unsightly. This action by FPQ is seen by JFTAG as an indication, that the spirit of co-operation initially sought in the quest to have every alternative to demolition of the tower evaluated, is now being demonstrated and appreciated. 

Also encouraging is the visitor interest being generated by the plight of the Jimna Fire Tower, in particular the increasing number of  camp site bookings being made at nearby Peach Trees Camping Grounds, which is swelling the coffers of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service QPWLS. The realization of the tremendous income producing potential of the Jimna Fire Tower when redeveloped as a tourist attraction, surely must require our decision makers to reexamine the towers future financial viability, not only as a self funded destination but its added benefit to tourism in south east Queensland. 

Through this article JFTAG calls on the Queensland Government Minister for Environment and Heritage the Honourable Lindy Nelson/Carr to expedite the process by which the Queensland Heritage Council is currently considering the proposed Jimna Fire Tower engineering review. JFTAG is in receipt of guidelines for funding under the Australian Governments  National Heritage Investment Initiative NHII, which offers $10.5 million over four years, to help restore and conserve Australia’s most important Heritage Places, but until the Queensland Government shows genuine commitment towards the preservation of Queensland Heritage Places like the Jimna Fire Tower, then this funding opportunity is either delayed or lost.

Its official !! Jimna has been branded ” THE CAMPING AND OFF ROAD CAPITAL OF SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND” .Treat yourself and family to an intimate interlude with nature by planning a visit over the coming holiday season, check out the diverse range of camping grounds surrounding the Jimna State Forest and Conondale National Park

This weeks news update is dedicated to Penny Cook, Executive Director of the National Trust of Queensland, who is retiring. Since first hearing of the plight of the Jimna Fire Tower, and becoming aware of the formation of the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG), Penny has not only become a passionate supporter, but her ongoing advice and expertise has been instrumental in helping JFTAG negotiate the myriad of protocols that can easily become pitfalls when dealing with government departments. 

Penny’s intimate knowledge of heritage legislation and her willingness to share, has given JFTAG a clearer understanding of an apparent weakness in the present Heritage Act which has put the Jimna Fire Tower at risk, and has the potential to threaten other Heritage Listed places. 

It is JFTAG’s understanding that the current Heritage Act in Queensland is fundamentally flawed in that it does not require government departments to either identify, maintain or protect heritage listed places under their control. This revelation is quiet unbelievable when considering the constant and just call for all cultures that enrich modern Australian society to be respected and preserved. The Jimna Fire Tower represents part of Australian culture, heritage and history. It is a symbol of respect and appreciation for the sacrifice and toil of the workers who built it and who created  the massive national  pine plantation estate, which now provides so many of us with both recreational enjoyment and employment. 

May the ever increasing public support for the preservation of the Jimna Fire Tower be a catalyst that will inspire decision makers from all government departments involved to call for a review of the Queensland Heritage Act - an event that will no doubt bring great satisfaction to Penny Cook in retirement.