The Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) has requested current owners, Forestry Plantations Queensland, to enter into a moratorium with respect to seeking other parties to take ownership of the Jimna Fire Tower until after the next Local Council elections in March 2008. JFTAG has made this request on the following grounds:

 

A….The recent, and past failed attempts to have the Kilcoy Shire Council take responsibility for ownership of the Jimna Fire Tower.

 

B….The implementation of the State Government Local Council Amalgamation Legislation, which will create a larger and stronger “Somerset Regional Council”, with the amalgamation of Kilcoy and Esk Shire Councils.

 

C…. The intention of the State Government’s initiative to form bigger and stronger councils was largely to give local councils the confidence and resources to address the big issues confronting a rapidly developing South East Queensland.

 

D … JFTAG believes that the extent of support for the preservation of the Jimna Fire Tower, from the Tourism and Business sector, Government agencies, and the general public, justifies that the tower be afforded this new “window of opportunity” that has been opened by the Queensland Government’s council amalgamation initiative. 

 

As previous correspondence, and reasons already documented will attest, JFTAG has always believed that Local Council is the most appropriate body to take ownership of this Heritage Listed Tourist Icon, and if not, to at least take on the role of being the dominant driving force behind finding a solution. We trust that Forestry Plantations Queensland, via the minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries the Honourable Tim Mulherin MP, will demonstrate the same past compassion and spirit of co-operation regarding this matter by granting the above request.

 

THE BIG CAMP OUT AT PEACH TREES CAMPING AREA this weekend 28th 29th and 30th September 07, will give campers and visitors an opportunity to pay homage to the Jimna Fire Tower. Camp site bookings can be made via www.epa.qld.gov.au and if you miss out on a site at this popular camping reserve why not consider a day trip on Sunday 30th. JFTAG is having a fund raising SAUSAGE SIZZLE and there will be BILLY TEA and DAMPER, as well as WINE TASTING courtesy of WINYA WINES, Sandy Creek, Kilcoy. BUSKERS are welcome and there will be plenty of country music at the Jimna Visitor Information Centre from 10am.