Following last weeks discussions with officers from both Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) and Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) regarding the development of walking tracks on land under their control, it has become refreshingly evident that the past policy of locking up State Forests and National Parks, and discouraging public access, particularly in the Jimna area, is undergoing review. Focus was concentrated on the walking tracks recently initiated by the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG), where it was noted that temporary track markers be attached to plantation pine trees by tape or similar means, and that the track routes would need to be approved by the relevant department so as to gain official designation and subsequent sign posting as a tourist facility. This development, while not in any way reflecting the future of the proposal to establish the Jimna Fire Tower as a tourist attraction, does however give (JFTAG) added confidence that the massive public support and popularity of the tower may have influenced our decision and policy makers.

BIG WALK FOR JIMNA FIRE TOWER. The campaign to increase public awareness continues unabated this Sunday coming, with the ongoing promotion of Jimna’s walking tracks. For those wishing to camp over night, bookings can be made by accessing the QPWS link on the JFTAG website www.jimna.bravehost.com , while day trippers are welcome to use the day use picnic facilities provided at the Peach Trees Camping Grounds. Whatever the choice, visitors are guaranteed of a great day in the fresh air and beauty of the bush. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Jimna walking track or passive family off road maps at the Jimna Tourist Information Centre, and while there enjoy a fund raising SAUSAGE SIZZLE from 10am till 2pm.

KILCOY DISTRICT WINERIES RAFFLE. Tickets are now on sale at “Kilcoy Eatery” and the Jimna Tourist Information Centre, to be in the draw for FOUR gift packs of superb local wines generously sponsored by Hunting Lodge Estate, Nirvana Estate, Winya Wines and Woongooroo Estate, award winning wineries located in the Somerset Valley Wine Region.

With Queensland’s fire towers being replaced by modern technology such as camera and satellite surveillance, it is only a matter of time before all fire towers are demolished and an era in the development of our multi billion dollar forestry industry is lost forever. We can only hope that the engineers at Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) who are currently assessing public safety factors and future ownership options for the Historically significant Jimna Fire Tower, have inherited similar values fostered by Forestry pioneers such as the highly respected Arthur Leis.

Just as the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) believes that the Jimna Fire Tower’s iconic status within Kilcoy Shire, thoroughly deserves the attention and support it is generating, so to does next weekends Kilcoy Show. Show day offers a wonderful opportunity for both the established and emerging businesses, rural producers, tourist operators, craft and artistic persons, along with the rich and diverse community based groups to showcase their wares and skills, and to let the world know how proud we are to represent Kilcoy Shire.

Kilcoy Show also presents a forum for old acquaintances to be renewed, and for the new people who have chosen to make Kilcoy Shire their home, a convenient occasion to meet and mix, and to become involved in the ever increasing prosperity and the exciting future of Kilcoy Shire. JFTAG is certainly proud to be participating in conjunction with Kilcoy and Jimna Historical Societies, hopefully Arthur Leis and his son Garry who built the Jimna Fire Tower, will be in attendance along with a few former timber and forestry personnel who no doubt will have a story or two to tell. With such a magnificent program of events and activities put together by the hard working show committee, there is certain to be something for everyone at the 2007 Kilcoy Show, a massive public turn out would be a fitting reward. 

JIMNA FIRE TOWER RAFFLE  JFTAG sincerely thanks Kilcoy district wineries, Hunting Lodge Estate, Nirvana Estate, Winya Wines and Woongooroo Estate for their generous sponsorship of the current fire tower fund raising raffle, which will be launched at the show. Each winery will provide a gift pack of wine for the lucky winners,and tickets will be on sale in Kilcoy when sellers are available, or at Jacks Place Kilcoy Eatery.

New hope for the redevelopment of the Jimna Fire Tower into a tourist destination has been generated by the news that Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) has in fact established FOREST RECREATION as part of it’s charter. This initiative has strengthened a somewhat wavering sense, of the spirit of co-operation that JFTAG has been endeavouring to consolidate between the two parties from day one. FPQ can be assured through this news update that JFTAG will continue to work with FPQ and all relevant government departments, for the purpose of achieving the best possible outcome.

Where as media notification was recently given concerning the cancellation of the requirement to obtain permits to traverse in state forests, further advice has been received that, although this is partly true, some areas may be designated restricted access and permits may still be applicable. It is also worth noting that the relaxing of the permit system will mean that restricted access signs will have to be changed or removed, which will take some time to implement, and if in doubt it is advisable to contact Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QP&WS) for clarification. This Government initiative is seen by the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) as an indication that the issue of Public Access and Recreational Use of State Forests and National Parks may be receiving more favourable and constructive discussion in relevant policy debates, as well as enhancing the prospects of unique attractions such as the Jimna Fire Tower.

QP&WS are to be commended for the completion of the new suspension bridge over Yabba Creek at the Peach Trees Camping Area, which has provided an added facility to this popular Forest Park. JFTAG hopes that this bridge will connect with the tracks, which were launched on Easter Sunday, to provide future users with a walking track network, that will pass by the Jimna Fire Tower, Jimna itself, take in the beauty of Yabba Creek as well as magnificent views to the South Queensland Coastline.

SUCCESSFUL JIMNA WALKING TRACK LAUNCH  Easter Sunday turned on glorious weather for a steady stream of visitors to enjoy the fresh mountain air and the variety of walking tracks on offer. Many returned to the Jimna Tourist Information Centre to express their amazement at the potential of the area, and to thank JFTAG for introducing them to previously unknown experiences. It is well known that a visit to Jimna does become infectious, with such a vast and varied landscape to discover. All we want now is several inches of rain to fill the creeks and bring both flora and fauna back to its brilliant best. With in excess of fifty families registering their support for the Jimna Fire Tower over the Easter Weekend, JFTAG is absolutely delighted with the walking track promotion.

Last but not least a big thank you to Fantastic Reproductions of Caboolture, for their efforts over and above the call of duty, in producing  the Jimna Walking Track Maps, which will be available at the Jimna Visitor Information Centre for the first of the BIG WALKS FOR JIMNA FIRE TOWER on Easter Sunday.