GREAT BUNYA DRIVE TOURISM PROJECT OMITS VITAL ACCESS TO KILCOY SHIRE

 

Despite a concerted effort by the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) over the past eighteen months to promote the tourism attributes of the Jimna State Forest and Conondale National Park region, it is indeed disappointing to note that the recently launched Great Bunya Drive tourism project has omitted the main access road to the vast off road/forest recreation area north of Kilcoy, which has, in the eyes of a visitor, effectively relegated the majority of Kilcoy Shire into a tourism black spot. The Great Bunya Drive map, which can be seen via www.southburnettholidays.info , shows the main route traversing from Toowoomba to Gympie, with numerous relatively minor roads feeding into it from all directions, as well as major arterial roads and highways, excepting the "Kilcoy/Murgon road" and subsequent connections to the Sunshine Coast via Kenilworth.

 

The Great Bunya Drive is an Australian Government funded initiative, administered by Fraser Coast South Burnett Tourism (FCSBT), in conjunction with Tourism Queensland, which receives input from every Local Shire Council, including the Kilcoy Shire Council.

 

It is inconceivable that local government representation was unable to ensure the inclusion of a DESIGNATED HIGHWAY, which services Landcruiser Mountain Park, arguably the largest 4WD complex in Australia, the extremely popular Peach Trees Camping Reserve, the iconic Jimna Fire Tower, as well as providing access to the emerging Forest Recreation playground of South East Queensland. JFTAG can only hope that closer and more proactive future liaison with (FCSBT), will see the inclusion of Kilcoy/Murgon Road and Sunday Creek road in the next tourist brochure print run, therefore enhancing the future tourism prospects of Kilcoy Shire, and the Jimna Fire Tower.

 

THE BIG CAMP OUT AT PEACH TREES CAMPING RESERVE is set to provide an opportunity for visitors and supporters of the Jimna Fire Tower, to either enjoy a relaxing camping experience at Jimna, or to take a lazy day excursion into the high country. Whatever your preference,the weekend of 28th 29th & 30th of September 07 has been nominated for camping enthusiasts to secure campsite bookings online, via the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service link on www.jimna.bravehost.com , while day trippers are advised to plan their trip for Sunday 30th, when JFTAG will conduct a fund raising sausage sizzle, complimented with wine tasting, and supported by country buskers,at the Jimna Visitor Information Centre/Museum/Photo Gallery. For more information email davbar41@bigpond.com or Phone 5497 3174.

 

Next JFTAG news update 3/9/07. Next JFTAG meeting Friday 31st August 07 10am at Jack's Place Mary St. Kilcoy. All Welcome. Dave Wright, Secretary, JFTAG