In a major setback for the campaign to save the Jimna Fire Tower from demolition, Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ), has reneged on an understanding that the tower would be stabilised with sway wires. After assurances made at a meeting held 2nd Dec.08, “that ongoing dialogue with JFTAG would take place”, nearly twelve months have seen three Hoop Plantations Managerial changes, a series of unanswered phone calls and emails, culminating in confirmation that stabilisation plans were never funded.

It is evident that past and present practices of procrastination and deceit, propagated by the faceless hierarchy within FPQ have triumphed again, destroying any semblance of trust that has been built up during this now four year campaign. It is sad to report that Queensland Government policies administered by their commercial arm of Queensland Forestry FPQ, has wasted copious amounts of public money (enough to stabilise the Jimna Fire Tower many times over) in achieving so little.

The legacy of this wasteful Queensland government instrumentality FPQ, is here for all to see, besides their involvement in an obvious conspiracy to destroy the heritage listed Jimna Fire Tower, FPQ have managed to turn a blind eye to the decimation of dozens of tourism beauty spots, the closure of and the withdrawal of maintenance to many vital fire access roads, the dismantling of public education of forest management, allowing noxious weeds and lantana to run rampant, and to the discouragement of many forms of forest recreation. All of this in direct conflict with what Premier Bligh is currently advocating in regard to guaranteeing public forest access.

Given FPQ’s track record of secrecy, it’s inability to work with other forest interest parties, and it’s neglect of the environment, it will be interesting to see how Premier Bligh and the Treasury Department’s Commercial Transactions Team can convince a new buyer to purchase our Hoop Pine Estate with it’s current management as part of the deal.

FRIENDS OF JIMNA FIRE TOWER MEMBERSHIP :-  Please access application enquiries and forms by utilizing any of the contact options below.

Membership Fees are :-$10 Single …. $15 Double …….$20 Business ….and/or…. $….Donation………………….JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

CONTACT US :- … via …… Ph: 0435 668 475 ….. POSTAL ADDRESS ….. Secretary … Jimna Fire Tower Action Group … 4 Currawong St. … Jimna … Queensland … Australia … 4515.
EMAIL  info@jimnafiretower.com……..  WEB  www.jimnafiretower.com

Next JFTAG news update November 2009, Next JFTAG meeting Friday 27/11/09 2pm Stanley Hotel, Mary St. Kilcoy. All Welcome. Dave Wright Sec. JFTAG.

ELVIS ON FIRE FOR JIMNA FIRE TOWER :- Elvis Parsley, renowned Elvis Presley impersonator, will be performing at 10-30am, outside his famous Grapeland’s Fruit Shop at Woodford, during the Woodford Lions market day Sunday 19th July 09, in support of the Jimna Fire Tower fund raising appeal. Legendary Fire Tower builder Arthur Leis and his son Gary, will also be in attendance at Tile Mobile, from 9am till 1pm, to help promote and to conduct the major raffle draw at 12 noon. Of all 27 fire towers built by Arthur during a thirty five year career in the former Queensland Forestry Department, the Heritage Listed Jimna Fire Tower remains his crowning glory, “being the greatest, the tallest and most imposing fire tower ever built in Queensland ” (Excerpt DPI Silent Sentinels). Arthur will be only too happy to meet with the media and supporters of the campaign to redevelop this Australian icon into a self funded tourism destination.

WOODFORD LIONS MARKET DAY SUNDAY 19TH JULY :- SITE ENQUIRIES PH. 54 330 633 ——- HUGE VARIETY OF STALLS ——- LION’S BBQ ——- BUSKERS ——- PRIZES ——- GIVE AWAYS ——- SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ——- IOI.5 FM OUTSIDE BROADCAST ——-TILE MOBILE GRAND OPENING.

FINAL SPONSOR THANK YOU :- Heartfelt thanks to WOODFORD LIONS—— RADIO 101.5 FM—–TILE MOBILE—– KILCOY FARMSTAY—– HUNTING LODGE ESTATE WINERY—– KILCOY’S TOWN CENTRE EATERY—– KILCOY VALLEY REALTY—– ELVIS PARSLEY—- and —- WOODFORD BUSINESS HOUSES.

BUTT RETURN REMINDER :- To ensure your tickets get in the draw, please return butts and proceeds by 17/7/09……… a “BIG THANK YOU” to all participants.

FRIENDS OF JIMNA FIRE TOWER MEMBERSHIP FUNDING APPEAL:- . Please access application enquiries and forms by utilising any of the contact options below. Membership Fees are :-.. $10 Single …. $15 Double …….$20 Business ….and/or…. $….Donation…. JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Having successfully prevented the demolition of the Jimna Fire Tower in the short term,  the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group JFTAG is now focusing on the original long term  goal of having  this iconic landmark redeveloped into a self funded tourist destination.  To make this happen JFTAG  calls on each and every supporter to add their shoulder to the wheel by purchasing a ticket in our recently launched fund raising appeal raffle. Notices have been sent out and we hope that a good response will  refuel the capacity to  maintain  and to  invigorate the confidence to continue  a strong campaign.

FABULOUS SPONSORSHIP IN PLACE :- Heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors who have generously supported  this Jimna Fire Tower  fund raiser.

To :- WOODFORD LIONS who have welcomed JFTAG to  conduct the raffle draw  as part of  the Woodford Lions Market Day Sunday July 19th 09.
To :- RADIO 101.5FM Caboolture for adding to the market day’s carnival atmosphere, by  providing an outside radio broadcast, and valuable lead up advertising.

To :- TILE MOBILE for providing the  major prize of $1000 value of tiles, and  who will be celebrating the official opening of their Woodford  Display Centre.

Also to :-
KILCOY FARMSTAY- HUNTING LODGE ESTATE WINERY-
KILCOY’S TOWN CENTRE  EATERY and
KILCOY VALLEY REALTY
for  the wonderful prizes and support.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE IN BRIEF :-
Owners, Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ), to spend $60,000 on “Tower  Stabilization”….
FPQ  to liaise with JFTAG  regarding “Stabilization Plans”…
Queensland Heritage Council to clarify tower “Maintenance  Schedule”…
National Trust Queensland to confirm interest in “Brokering a Solution”.

FRIENDS OF JIMNA FIRE TOWER MEMBERSHIP FUNDING APPEAL:-
Please access application enquiries and  forms by  utilising any of the contact options below.
Membership Fees are :-..  $10 Single …. $15 Double …….$20 Business ….and/or…. $….Donation….
JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

PERMIT NO 26948

1st Prize:…$1000 Value….Tiles  courtesy TILE MOBILE WOODFORD

2nd Prize:…$180 Value………Double o/nite stay  at Kilcoy   Farmstay  3rd Prize:…$150 Value…Double  o/nite stay  at Hunting  Lodge Estate

TICKETS   $2   each   Drawn 12noon 19th July 2009….Book Return by Friday 17th July 2009   c/o Secretary JFTAG 4 Currawong St. Jimna Q 4515  Winners notified and  advertised  in  Kilcoy  Community News 23/7/09

Dear Jimna Fire Tower Supporter,  So as to maintain the campaign to preserve the Jimna Fire Tower, JFTAG is in need of funds. We trust that your response shall justify the project at hand, the effort that our dedicated committee is  undertaking, and will also vindicate the wonderful  prizes offered by our generous sponsors as above.

To help simply PRESS REPLY to this email, complete the  FOUR (4) STEP  process below  and SEND
Your tickets and a stamped return envelope  with payment and receipt details will be posted  asap.

STEP (1) I wish to order a $10 book of five (5) tickets or a $20 book of ten (10) tickets  (delete which ever  is not applicable). Please type details after the following prompts !!

STEP (2) My Surname is  ….!!

STEP (3) My Christian Name is ….!!

STEP (4) My Postal Address is ….!!

JIMNA FIRE TOWER ACTION GROUP  IS GRATEFUL FOR  YOUR SUPPORT

THANK YOU

After several State Government Agencies have indicated their interest in the future of the Jimna Fire Tower, the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group JFTAG has resolved to assist the reformation of the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Inc., for the purpose of gaining the support of a local broad based, widely representative and nationally cognisedorganisation.

JFTAG has decided to seek acceptance as a sub committee of the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce, which would provide greater support and professionalism in driving the project forward towards the original and ultimate goal of redeveloping the Jimna Fire Tower into a self funded tourist attraction / destination”. Other issues seriously restricting commerce derived from forest recreational activity in South East Queensland, like the “future commercial and public use” and “management policies” of State Forests and National Parks, can then be pursued from a stronger and more cohesive platform.   

MAJOR FUND RAISING RAFFLE LAUNCH :- Many thanks to the following sponsors who have made available the wonderful prizes listed for our major fund raising raffle to be conducted over the next three months. Details and format as follows :

1st prize $1000 value tiles of winners choice from Tiles Mobile Woodford PH M 0466 377 634.

2nd prize $180 value o/nite stay for two at Kilcoy Farmstay overlooking beautiful Somerset Dam PH 07 5497 2488.

3rd prize $150 value o/nite stay for two at  Hunting Lodge Estate Winery and Safari Lodges set in the scenic hills of Mt Kilcoy PH 07 5498 1243.

Many thanks also to Woodford Lions who have welcomed JFTAG to conduct the rafffe draw and a sausage sizzle, to coincide with the official opening of Tile Mobile at 3/92 Archer St. Woodford, on Woodford Lions Market Day Sunday 19th July 2009.

Tickets are now on sale at $2 each, 5 ticket books at $10 each, or 10 ticket books at $20 each, and can be ordered by simply replying to this email, or by accessing any of the contact options below. Please include your postal mailing details and ticket order so that a stamped return envelope can be forwarded. (min. $10 book by post). JFTAG is sincerely grateful in anticipation of your support which is vital to maintaining our campaign to preserve Jimna Fire Tower..      

CHANGE OF MEETING TIME ;-  So as to coincide with Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce Interim Committee meetings please note time and venue changes as below.

FRIENDS OF JIMNA FIRE TOWER MEMBERSHIP FUNDING APPEAL:- . Please access application enquiries and forms by utilising any of the contact options below. Membership Fees are :-.. $10 Single …. $15 Double …….$20 Business ….and/or…. $….Donation….

JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

At a meeting held Friday 27th Feb. 09  it was resolved that due to the Queensland State Election being called early, just three days after the ‘Great Land Use Debate”, proposed for Wednesday 18th March 09,  that the function be postponed until a date to be decided. The well attended meeting, after considering the unavailability of several V.I.P. and Key Note speakers, and the fact that focus on the issues would be lost in the final week of the election,  was unanimous in the  decision to postpone. In retrospect JFTAG  believes, that the major issue of the future “management of state lands” should be “supported and  driven” by a broader based community organisation, and has resolved to pursue that objective. JFTAG  sincerely thanks those who committed to the event and advises that all pre paid dinner bookings will be refunded.

NATIONAL TRUST ATTENDS :- Executive  Officer of National Trust Queensland Mr Stewart Armstrong  brought news  regarding the possibility of the National Trust brokering a solution for the future of the tower. JFTAG welcomes involvement from the trust which may result in tourism redevelopment options being evaluated.

GOLLANS TILES MOBILE FUND RAISER :- JFTAG wishes to acknowledge the generosity of Jeff and Pam Gollan, proprietors  of Tiles Mobile Woodford, who have donated a wonderful prize of a $1,000  (trade price) of Tiles of  the winners  choice, to be raffled in the near future. More Info on this Fund Raiser soon.

JIMNA FIRE TOWER ACTION GROUP A.G.M. :- Thinking about a trip to the high country? Why not consider a camping trip to Peach Trees for the weekend 28th and 29th of March 09, or maybe a day trip on the Sunday. While your there, call into the Jimna Photo Gallery/Museum and meet and greet  fellow friends of the Jimna Fire Tower (JFTAG). Quick Annual General Meeting at 12 noon, followed by B.Y.O.  Barbecue/Picnic and walk up artists. Picnic facilities tea/coffee and kiosk on site.

FRIENDS OF JIMNA FIRE TOWER MEMBERSHIP FUNDING APPEAL:-   Please  access application enquiries and forms by  utilising any of the contact options below. Membership Fees are :-..  $10 Single …. $15 Double …….$20 Business ….and/or…. $….Donation….

JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL  SUPPORT.

Help celebrate Jimna Fire Tower  achievements to date Listen to V.I.P. and keynote speakers Demonstrate support for the management and promotion  of State Forest use Speak out for  your forest use interest  Help the campaign to redevelop the Jimna Fire Tower into a self funded tourist attraction/destination…..Please book early… limited seating.

V.I.P. AND KEY NOTE SPEAKERS :- Representatives of all political parties, local council and relevant government departments  have been invited to address this important forum as V.I.P.  speakers, along with individuals  and  members of forest use groups as Key Note speakers. Pre advised nominations are invited  as Key Note speakers, who will be given the opportunity to  address the forum on behalf of their particular forest use  subject of interest.

FOREST USE FORUM  FORMAT :- V.I.P. speakers will be seated at the head of the forum…Guests will be seated  at tables  of eight according to their pre advised forest subject of interest…(7-30pm)…JFTAG  welcome and  subject  preview, introduction of V.I.P. speakers and forest use  KEY NOTE speakers, hand over to forum MC…preview of forum format…KEY NOTE speakers deliver their message (five min. max)…V.I.P. speakers  address (five min. max)…Responses from the floor…Forum summary, resolutions and follow up action…JFTAG closing address….(10pm)….Post Forum mingling…(11pm) close.

WELCOME and DINNER DETAILS :- Early arrivals are invited to enjoy the Kilcoy  R.S.L. facilities  at the  same venue, mine host John Robertson Phone 54 22 0564. Forum arrival from  6pm for 7pm dinner… Dress smart casual… Licensed bar from 6pm… Pre dinner appetizers from 6pm… Main two course  meal includes  choice of three meats or vegetarian dish, salads, sweets and  bottomless tea/coffee.

DINNER BOOKING PROCEDURE :- If you have not already done so, simply  “reply to this message”  with your Name, Phone number and forest use of interest, and a dinner reservation form  will be returned. Alternatively you can support this
” MUCH NEEDED FUND RAISER”

TOGETHER WE HAVE SAVED THE JIMNA FIRE TOWER FROM DEMOLITION BUT IT’S PRESERVATION IS BY NO MEANS ASSURED. TO PRESERVE THE TOWER FOR POSTERITY IT MUST BE REDEVELOPED INTO A SELF FUNDED TOURIST ATTRACTION / DESTINATION.

FOR THAT TO HAPPEN THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO CHANGE OR CLARIFY FUTURE FOREST USE POLICIES WHICH HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEMOLITION THREAT TO THE JIMNA FIRE TOWER.

THE PUBLIC  USE OF STATE CONTROLLED LAND  NEEDS TO BE OPENLY MANAGED NOT DECEITFULLY DISCOURAGED. TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD BE  IMPROVED NOT REMOVED.

FLORA AND FAUNA NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED BUT NOT BY  THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF NEGLECTING  AND LOCKING UP STATE FORESTS. ACCESS ROADS ARE VITAL FOR CONTROL OF DESTRUCTIVE WILD FIRES.

ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE FUTURE  COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC USE OF QUEENSLAND  STATE  FORESTS AND NATIONAL PARKS ARE REQUESTED  TO REGISTER THEIR INTEREST IN THIS IMPORTANT DEBATE (SEE BELOW).

THIS IS A STATE GOVERNMENT POLITICAL PROBLEM WHICH REQUIRES A STATE GOVERNMENT POLITICAL SOLUTION.

If you, your group, or your business has an interest in the future “COMMERCIAL or PUBLIC USE OF JIMNA STATE FOREST  or CONONDALE NATIONAL PARK” in South East Queensland … whether it be  …”INDIGENOUS CONNECTION”… or   “CONSERVATION AND WILD FIRE CONTROL”   .. like…land care ….. weed and pest control ….. flora and fauna protection……water management etc….or…”NATURE BASED RECREATION”   like…bird watching  ….bush walking ….camping…orienteering… etc….or….”FOREST ACTIVITIES”  like …mountain biking…. horse riding…….off-roading…dirt biking…car rallying…hunting  ….fossicking  etc .

…..”TOURISM VENTURES” like  ….reality experiences…tour buses…caravanning……day trippers….accommodation…..tourist drives/services…off road motor and bike excursions.. etc…or….”COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY” …like…mining  ….timber….grazing….honey production….etc……THEN  SIMPLY “REPLY” TO  THIS EMAIL AND   GIVE YOUR NAME,  PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR FOREST  SUBJECT OF INTEREST. JFTAG INTENDS TO MOBILISE STAKEHOLDERS AND CREATE A FORUM TO  DEBATE THIS ISSUE DURING THE LEAD UP TO THE FORTHCOMING QUEENSLAND STATE ELECTION . OR TO  STRENGTHEN OUR  LOBBYING CAPACITY  WITH OUR  NEWLY ELECTED  QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT….

DETAILS OF THE PLANNED STATE FOREST USE “GREAT  DEBATE” TO BE HELD AT A JIMNA FIRE TOWER FUND RAISING DINNER, ON WEDNESDAY MARCH 18TH 2009 AT KILCOY, WILL BE ADVISED ….
ALL ENQUIRIES OR REGISTER EARLY  BY  PHONE (07) 5497 3174 ANYTIME.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SEPARATED WE WILL SURELY FAIL
Kind Regards Dave Wright Secretary JFTAG.

After consideration of  the recent  Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ) offer for Somerset Regional Council (SRC)  to take ownership of the Jimna Fire Tower, SRC have predictably declined, confirming the long held Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) belief, that responsibility for this Heritage Listed Icon lies with the Queensland State Government. It is JFTAG’s view that it is grossly unreasonable to expect  local council to take ownership in the absence of any management plan, funding sources, or at  the very least some effort on the part of FPQ to present an acceptable takeover package.  It is  patently clear  that the Queensland State Government should intervene in this wasteful, procrastinating  exercise in  buck passing, and  lift the veil of secrecy, manipulation and deceit that has camouflaged the core issue of the “PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL USE OF STATE FORESTS AND NATIONAL PARKS,” which continues to confuse and restrict forest recreation and threaten the Jimna Fire Tower.

FPQ TO INITIATE NEW HERITAGE PROVISIONS:- Recent changes to the Queensland Heritage Act, has actioned FPQ to secure the Jimna Fire Tower, by installing guyed supports and fencing. The reviewed provisions  places much  greater emphasis on owners to  protect Heritage Listed Places, including  measures to prevent damage by fire, weather or vandalism. JFTAG welcomes this development and  is pleased to advise that FPQ have undertaken to proceed with stabilisation plans in early 2009.

RELEVANT EXCERPT FROMÂ LETTER SENT TO FPQ  Item 2….You  advise that quote a suitably qualified expert has been engaged to develop design specifications that would enable the tower to be stabilised using guy wires, and exclude public access through a suitable fencing structure” unquote.

JFTAG..Q2….Would JFTAG nominated engineers/architects be invited to participate in the planning process so as to avoid further conflict of interest, duplication and therefore waste of resources in respect to.

A….Ensuring that the proposed guy wires and associated attachment mechanisms at ground and tower levels,  are not only designed to create a compliant  future  work place, but that they are compatible with JFTAG’s expert advice already documented, thereby  avoiding duplication.

B….Ensuring that the proposed security fencing is designed to be compliant with a safe and adequate work area,  in conjunction with meeting your  public security requirements, again avoiding duplication.

C….Ensuring that when designing the security fence that adequate site space is allowed for off road parking and public viewing from ground level. It now remains to be seen whether FPQ  is prepared to invite stakeholders to the planning table to create long term solutions or continue with authoritarian muddling.

FRIENDS OF JIMNA FIRE TOWER MEMBERSHIP FUNDING APPEAL:-Please access application enquiries and forms by utilising any of the contact options below. Membership Fees are :-.. $10 Single …. $15 Double …….$20 Business ….and/or…. $….Donation…. JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.