The recent request by the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) to declare a moratorium on the quest to find new owners for the Jimna Fire Tower until after the next local council elections in March 2008, has been granted by current owners, Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ). This is great news for the campaign to redevelop this Heritage listed tourist icon into a tourist destination, because it provides an opportunity for the bigger and stronger soon to be Somerset Regional Shire Council, to provide the leadership and the will, to take responsibility for the tower, and ensure that all possible redevelopment options are exhausted before demolition is considered.

 

KILCOY/MURGON ROAD BITUMEN EXTENSION, which is currently in the preparation stage, will extend the bitumen a further 8 odd kilometres from Jimna, past the Jimna Fire Tower to the Monsildale Road turnoff. This extension is also good news for the Jimna Fire tower, as it will allow visitors to enjoy dust free vehicle access right to the tower site. The current barricade fence will be repositioned by FPQ, and new signage erected by both FPQ, and JFTAG. Visitors are urged to observe the signage directives, and leave the area clean and tidy after enjoying the majestic awe of this proud symbol of our Australian History and Heritage.

 

THE FOREST FIRE LOOKOUT ASSOCIATION, which has members throughout America, Canada, and Spain, has contacted JFTAG to offer assistance. JFTAG has responded to this development by becoming a member of this international organisation and hopes to establish ongoing information sharing for the purpose of generating support and gaining valuable expertise. JFTAG has already been identified as the first and only group in Australia which is actively engaged in campaigning to preserve a fire tower, an accolade or recognition that JFTAG accepts with great pride.

 

TOWER NEWS IN BRIEF include a big thank to Winya Wines from Sandy Creek Kilcoy who conducted WINE TASTING at the fund raising sausage sizzle held 30/9/07. Thanks also in anticipation of the RIDE FOR THE JIMNA FIRE TOWER by the BMW motorcycle club of Queensland held Sunday 7/10/07. Big welcome to those contemplating an excursion into the high country.