Following on from last weeks extremely informative and enlightening meeting with principals of the Caloundra Lighthouse redevelopment committee, the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) has received added positive public responses to the technical matters dicussed concerning the proposed redevelopment of the Jimna Fire Tower into a tourist attraction. Workplace health and public safety issues have attracted much interest with a range of possible solutions being collated for future professional analysis. 

While JFTAG awaits details of the proposed Queensland Heritage Council (QHC) engineering review, this is an opportune time to allay some of the myths that have been allowed to circulate, and to answer some of the most frequently asked questions, for example, Q1 - Is the Jimna Fire Tower currently or has it ever been affected by white ant infestation?  A1 -There is no official previous evidence, or any indication by recent expert observation that white ants have ever been or currently are active. Q2 - Being heritage listed does that mean that the Jimna Fire Tower is old and in disrepair?  A2 - Not at all, in fact the tower was built in 1977 making it just 29 years old, and although some weathering has occurred due to lack of maintenance, there has been minimal structural impact. Q3 - Why does the government want to demolish the tower? A3 -The Jimna Fire Tower is no longer used for plantation fire detection as this duty is now carried out by camera surveillance.  

If any readers of this news update have any queries regarding any aspect of the campaign to save this heritage listed tourist icon, then please email davbar41@bigpond.com with your questions or suggestions, which are not only most welcome, but extremely important to achieving ultimate success.

Now that the warmer weather is with us, and hopefully the creeks will get a good flush out shortly, may we suggest you pack a picnic lunch, and plan a day trip to Jimna. Call into the Jimna Visitor Information Centre, check out the history and attractions of the area,  pay homage to the Jimna Fire Tower, and treat yourself, family and friends to a relaxing interlude with nature. 

For those with more time at their disposal a camping weekend at the popular Peach Trees Camping and Day Use Area , just one and a half hours from Brisbane, provides a central base to explore the vast Jimna State Forest and Conondale National Park. Camp site bookings can now be made by visiting our web site www.jimna.bravehost.com . Next JFTAG meeting Friday 27/10/06 10am at "Jacks Place", Mary St., Kilcoy - all welcome.   Dave Wright, Secretary.