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REPAIR COSTING AND OWNERSHIP OPTIONS TO BE ASSESSED BY FORESTRY PLANTATIONS QLD (FPQ)

Following the 19/01/07 meeting between Forestry Plantations Queensland (FPQ), (which is the commercial arm of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, current owners of the Jimna Fire Tower) and the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG), notification was given that FPQ were currently undertaking an assessment of repair costing and future ownership options for the Jimna Fire Tower with a time frame of 2 to 3 months.The FPQ deputation headed by Deputy Chief Executive Mr Garry Hannigan, advised the meeting that, while FPQ recognises the towers' Heritage Significance, and is also aware of the towers' tourism potential for both Kilcoy Shire and South East Queensland, public safety issues were of paramount importance, and that FPQ was duty bound to address these concerns appropriately.

Mr Hannigan reassured the meeting that while demolition of the tower would not be an option during the FPQ costing and ownership assessment process, that he could not guarantee that demolition would not be the end result, however Mr Hannigan undertook to have further discussions with JFTAG, after consideration had been given to future options." .

Although all of the above is, at face value, good news for Jimna Fire Tower, it was generally agreed that the ultimate future of the tower will mainly depend on (1) The feasibility of the project (2) The willingness of a new owner to take responsibility (3) The availability of adequate funding programs and (4) The extent of public and corporate support.

JFTAG welcomes aboard Roger Todd and Vic Godley who bring valuable expertise in architecture and engineering to our committee. Sincere thanks to both Roger and Vic who generously gave of their time to attend the FPQ/JFTAG meeting. Please be advised that future JFTAG meetings will be held each second and each fourth Friday of each month while Jimna Fire Tower news updates will continue to be released weekly. Previous news updates are available by visiting www.jimna.bravehost.com and you can register your support via email davbar41@bigpond.com for which we are eternally grateful. Next JFTAG meeting Friday 9/02/07 10am Jack's Place, Mary St., Kilcoy - all welcome. Dave Wright, Secretary, JFTAG.