Thread: JIMNA FIRE TOWER

i feel it would be a shame to see this icon go I have climbed it several times just for the view


JIMNA FIRE TOWER FUTURE OPTIONS RAISES MORE QUESTIONS THAN GIVES ANSWERS

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT PROGRESS REPORT:-


A?.In July 2016, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) received a comprehensive engineer's report on the structural condition of the Jimna Fire Tower and an assessment of options for its future management.

B?.The report indicated that the tower is in poor condition and, in its current state, there is a danger of the tower collapsing under moderate force winds. In response to the immediate safety risks, DAF has established a security fence around the full radius of the tower to prevent vehicle or public access to the site.

C?.The future options assessed in the engineer's report include stabilisation of the tower and making it suitable for public access, as well as other options including deconstruction of the tower while retaining the cabin intact for preservation, possibly at an alternative site.

D?.Upon approval from the Minister, DAF intends to consult with the community on the findings of the engineer's report and the future options for the tower. Community views will be sought on the full range of options and this will include consideration of the feasibility of third parties managing the tower.

E?.The views of the community, as well as practical and financial aspects of the tower management, will then be put to the Minister for a final determination on its future.

JIMNA FOREST ACTION GROUP INC. (JFAGI) COMMENT:-

A?.This is the fourth engineer's report that has been commissioned for the Jimna Fire Tower (JFT) over the past nine years, the first one was a report of convenience, the second report was done by the Queensland Heritage Council, which largely refuted the contents of the first one, the third was the botched report done prior to the stalled stabilisation works, which failed to accurately detect the extent of wood decay, and the present report which JFAGI hopes will bring to the discussion table intelligent dialogue regarding the most positive option moving forward.

B?.No reasonably intelligent person would be surprised to be told that the structural integrity of this wooden structure has deteriorated over the nine years of the campaign to preserve it, when the owners, the Queensland Government (QGOV.), despite significant scientific advances in wood preservation techniques, has never put in place any type of maintenance program.

C?. While endeavouring to not sound pessimistic, JFAGI finds it difficult to comprehend, how the QGOV can be serious about quote 'stabilising the tower?, unquote, when clearly, that previously bungled process, has already taken all government departments, representing both sides of Queensland politics, over three years to achieve nothing other than to cost the taxpayer the best part of half a million dollars. To say now that the QGOV is considering, quote 'making the tower suitable for public access? unquote, is again the ultimate insult to informed supporters intelligence, as both sides of the QGOV over the past nine years, have rejected this proposal, an option that was put to the QGOV by JFAGI from day dot. See home page Jimna Fire Tower Chairpersons mission statement.

If the QGOV has failed to include the ? redevelopment of the tower into a tourism destination? , in their brief for this latest engineer's report, then, how could they possibly quote ? deconstruct the tower? unquote, while effectively and safely keep the forty seven metre high cabin intact for possible relocation? If they can preserve the cabin, why can't they preserve the tower? This cabin relocation option , has absolutely no means to justify the initial deconstruction, and ongoing maintenance costs, for nil return, and for what end benefit?

D? Seems like a feel good exercise in window dressing for the following reasons 1?.Any minister will only give approval on the advice provided by his or her relevant department, in this case DAF. Why would DAF suddenly decide to, quote ?consult with the community ? unquote, when DAF or any previous QGOV department, has never consulted with any community in regard to the JFT issue, despite it being over nine years since the matter was first raised, with numerous requests for public consultation in the meantime. How could DAF possibly seek ? third parties? to manage a structure, that is currently deemed to be in quote, ?poor condition, and is in danger of collapsing under moderate force winds? unquote? without a feasible remedial/redevelopment and business plan, that has the potential to attract investors.

E?. After more money is wasted on the administration of the above DAF report, (in its present form), what possible conclusion could any community, or any Minister come too, but to condemn this heritage listed Australian Icon to the rubble heap. This forlorn and pathetic exercise, (unless redirected), is nothing more than throwing good money after bad.

During the entire nine years of campaigning for the preservation of the Jimna Fire Tower, our local member for Nanango and opposition deputy leader Deb Frecklington, despite promises to do so, has never raised or addressed the vital issue of 'tower maintenance?, or supported the original JFAGI proposition to
? involve third parties? . Successive Queensland Governments have irresponsibly and incompetently allowed this Aussie Icon to gracefully rot.

In conclusion, in the event that DAF, and our member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, does make an effort to test Australia wide public and commercial interest in this national treasure, regardless of the result, the efforts of JFAGI to preserve this Aussie icon will be completely justified. However if the powers that be, eventually prove that this entire DAF process has driven the issue up another dry gully, and the tower is lost for that reason, it will be interesting indeed, to see what efforts will be forthcoming from DAF, our member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, and the community, for the establishment of appropriate recognition for our Queensland Forestry Pioneers, and in particular the legendary Jimna Fire Tower builder Arthur Leis and his son Gary.

STOP PRESS:- JFAGI has just received the current full comprehensive QGOV commissioned structural analysis of the JFT. The good news is, that telephonic advice from DAF this past week indicate, that this report was, (for the want of a better word, 'stage 1?), and was restricted to (the assessment of the wood components ONLY). JFAGI commends and fully supports DAF's intention to invite alternative development and management options for the future of the JFT, from all interested stakeholders, before any final Ministerial decision is made. JFAGI shall issue regular follow up progress news releases regarding developments, after reviewing the report document's content, as soon as possible.

SHOW YOU CARE ABOUT OUR AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE?VISIT?. Jimna Fire Tower .AND CONFIRM YOUR SUPPORT BY EITHER EMAILING A SHORT COMMENT OR, JOINING THE CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE JIMNA FIRE TOWER OR BETTER STILL BOTH. PLEASE SEND THIS AND FUTURE JFT NEWS UPDATES ON TO YOUR CONTACTS RIGHT ACROSS THIS GREAT COUNTRY.

PEOPLE??.?....POWER..?.??...CAN..?.??....STILL..?? ??SAVE..??...?.THE..??.?...JIMNA..??...?.FIRE..?.? ..?.TOWER.

Dave Wright Sec?.JFAGI?.All enquiries Phone 07 54 973 174?..Email? info@jimnafiretower.com.au ?..or ??for the true facts regarding latest developments, take a great day trip to Jimna, visit the tower, and call in for a cuppa and a chat at?.. the Jimna visitor information centre?..4 Currawong St. Jimna QLD.







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Back in the 80's we used to camp at Peach Trees, and climbed the tower often. It was such a great spot to take photos, but I think the shop at Jimna was starting a "save the tower" campaign around then.If my memory is correct.