Jimna Fire Tower Redevelopment

10/12/2023

JIMNA NEWS & VIEWS IN BRIEF

THE JIMNA FIRE TOWER PROJECT RESET...

The latest news update from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF),
received 14th November 2023, advises that the repairs and
stabilization works project for the Jimna Fire Tower, has taken
considerable time to resolve, given the complexities of the required
works. DAF, however, maintains a strong desire to ensure that the
party engaged to undertake these works, is appropriately qualified
and skilled to complete the repairs to the necessary standard. In the
interim, DAF has maintained efforts to keep the tower site secure,
by retention of security fencing and camera surveillance, to deter
unauthorized entry. DAF has confirmed that the procurement process
shall commence over the next few months, and it is estimated that
works will commence in the first half of 2024.

BORUMBA DAM PUMPED HYDRO CREATES MAJOR FOCUS ON
JIMNA...
As a follow up to attendance at several public meetings hosted
by the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project Stakeholder Engagement Team
(BPHPSET), and subsequent correspondence, the Jimna Forest Action
Group Inc. (JFAGI), is delighted to have been invited to be part of ongoing
discussions involving local projects that may be eligible for assistance.
Initial local projects identified at a meeting held in Jimna on Monday 20th
November 2023, were 1...Beautification of the Yabba Creek Persimmon
Tree Park area and local swimming hole, including the re-establishment
and maintenance of the Jimna via Yabba Creek to Peach Trees Camping
Area walking track. 2...The establishment of designated mountain biking
trails. 3...Support for JFAGI'S Jimna Town Memorial Plot project. 4...The
identification and restoration of the three Bora Rings in the Jimna area.
5...Support for the refurbishment of the Jimna Fire Tower, including an
appropriate on site tourism facility, and memorial depicting the legacy of
legendary master fire tower builder Arthur Leis...6...The establishment of
a designated overnight free camping area in Jimna.

The BPHPSET representatives reiterated that local fire issues definitely
were not out of their scope, and have extended an invitation to other
interested local groups and individuals to become involved.

A fantastic turnout of members and supporters of JFAGI attended the final
meeting for 2023 on Sunday 26th November held at the Jimna Visitor
Information Centre (see photo attached). Seasons greetings and best
wishes to all, have a happy and safe festive season, see you in 2024.

CREATED BY THE JIMNA FOREST ACTION GROUP INC. (JFAGI) TO PROVIDE A BI-MONTHLY NEWS PLATFORM PROMOTING
JIMNA AND ENVIRONS. ............ NEWS ITEMS LESS THAN 50 WORDS WELCOME........PHONE ...M 0438 726 570.

27/07/2023

JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEWS UPDATE

THE JIMNA FIRE TOWER PROJECT RESET is currently at
the planning stage according to a May 29th 2023 tower update
from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). DAF
is working with QBuild to finalize the new repair designs, so
that the contractor procurement can secure Heritage approval.
This process is estimated to be completed by the end of 2023,
and repairs commenced in early 2024.

31/12/2022

Happy new year to all

14/11/2022

JIMNA..FIRE..TOWER..PROJECT..RESET

Press Release October 2022

After several months of site inactivity on the Jimna Fire Tower repair and stabilisation project, and the subsequent termination of the initial repairs contract, the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) is pleased to report that, following a meeting held on the 24th May 2022 with personnel from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and QBuild, it was confirmed that the Queensland Government was committed to recommencing work following a Project Reset. The Queensland Government delegation advised, that in addition to engineering and safety requirements, any repair and stabilisation works must also be approved by the Department of Environment and Science, given that the Jimna Fire Tower is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. A list of suggestions compiled by JFTAG, itemising repair and building procedures that may have been followed by the original builders, the legendary Arthur Leis and his son Gary, was gratefully received by DAF, and will be reviewed in the current project context. DAF have advised, that there will be an interval period during which time, new repair designs can be completed, and necessary approvals obtained. The Jimna Fire Tower Project Reset, is destined to have, new specifications, a new contract, a new tender and possibly a new contractor. Confirmation of the Queensland Governments intentions are clearly shown in the attached photo, taken 23/09/22,
which shows the replacement tower legs back on site, the steel boxing supporting the tower legs were retained in place, and the tower site is being maintained.The Queensland Government have committed to providing further email updates
to stakeholders and interested parties, and JFTAG is confident that the Jimna Fire Tower repair and stabilisation "Project Reset" will be delivered in good faith, and in a spirit of co-operation.
Rhonda Affoo (Chairperson JFTAG)

06/03/2022

13/12/2021

JIMNA FIRE TOWER PROGRESS OF WORKS

The Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) is pleased to report that although there has
been minimal work done on site over the past few weeks, the contractors, Be! Building Group have been busily engaged in consultation with owners, the Queensland State Government represented by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and the Department of Energy and Public Works. Discussion has focused on the provisions of the contract conditions
and design documentation, which were originally signed off by the Queensland Heritage Council (QHC), to ensure that the tower is refurbished so as to maintain it's heritage value.
It must be remembered that QHC were instrumental in saving the tower from demolition some 16 years ago, and would be bound by the provisions of the Queensland Heritage Act with regard to replacement materials and workmanship.
JFTAG has received encouraging feedback from Department of Premier and Cabinet
reassuring that the Jimna Fire Tower holds a special place in Australian History and Heritage,and that every effort will be made, with the relevant parties, to resolve issues and to continue refurbishment work as soon as possible. JFTAG also recognises, and is grateful for, the spontaneous response to our call for departmental clarification regarding this matter, from member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington MP, and member for Nicklin, Robert Skelton MP.
With the holiday season upon us, it would be unrealistic to expect further action on site until the New Year.
Wishing all members and supporters a very merry christmas and a safe and
prosperous new year.
Rhonda Affo...Chairperson (JFTAG).

06/10/2021

JIMNA FIRE TOWER WORKS PROGRESS............SEPTEMBER 2021.

The main contractors B E Building Group, engaged in the redevelopment
works, has called on the expertise of Jimna Fire Tower Co Builder Gary Leis,
to highlight the original method of construction designed by his father, the
legendary fire tower builder Arthur Leis. At an onsite briefing held 14/09/21,
Gary (pictured centre front), is seen discussing the load bearing and
structural design of supporting bracing and connections, factors which are
crucial during the current replacement of age affected leg sections, stair
casing, landings, and cross member bracing.

The task ahead is to safely remove and replace timber sections at heights
up to 47 metres, within the Workplace Health and Safety guidelines of the
building industry today, a feat not for the faint hearted, and a procedure
which requires thorough planning and implementation. Engineers involved
should be inspired by the fact that Arthur Leis built his first few three
legged fire towers, without any plans, without cranes or scaffolding, and
hand winched every piece of timber up to 47 metres to finally manoeuvre
and secure each piece into place.

During the major part of the construction of each tower over a period of
approximately seven months, Arthur Leis was assisted only by his son Gary,
with their only qualifications being a carpenter and a carpenter's apprentice,
a feat which can only be described as the thing of legends. For further posts,
and info please like and share us on Facebook jimnafiretowerredevelopment.

Rhonda Affoo ...Chairperson Jimna Fire Tower Action Group...M 0438 72 570.

21/09/2021

Gary Leis (yellow hard hat), together with his father, the legendary Arthur Leis, built the Jimna Fire Tower and is shown here giving crucial technical advice at an on site briefing held on 14/09/21.

01/09/2021

Assembly of the 35 ton Gantry - JIMNA FIRE TOWER

25/08/2021

JIMNA FIRE TOWER WORKS PROGRESS AUGUST 2021

10/08/2021

JIMNA FIRE TOWER WORKS PROGRESS UPDATE.....AUGUST 2021.

The Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG) is thrilled to report that the redevelopment works on the iconic Jimna Fire Tower is well under way with the tower site a hive of activity. A bob cat has been busily cleary access surrounding the work site, while a backhoe has prepared groundwork for the realignment of existing stay wire concrete plinths, and footings for stabilizing scaffolding bases. Two cherry Pickers are engaged in the er****on of the scaffolding which comprises very heavy H section steel girders, specially designed to secure the base of the three grey ironbark legs, while repair work
is being carried out. Replacement sections of the legs are being sourced locally by local contractors, and it is fantastic to see other local labour being utilized.
(see photo attached).
With the ever increasing public interest in this project, traffic calming measures have been put in place along Kilcoy Murgon Road for safety reasons, and as news of the Jimna Fire Tower redevelopment spreads, visitor numbers are increasing rapidly. Despite covid restrictions, local camping grounds are enjoying
unprecedented winter patronage, outside of lockdowns, and real estate in the village of Jimna is enjoying boom times.
JFTAG, who operate the Jimna Visitor Information Centre (JVIC), are enjoying ever increasing enquiries for Jimna Fire Tower information and requests for tourism related items in particular commemorative stubby coolers are very encouraging.

Please like and share with us on Facebook.... jimnafiretowerredevelopment ....or...
visit..... www.jimnafiretower.com .........or.....Phone JVIC..M 0438 726 570.

Rhonda Affoo...Chairperson....Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG).

06/07/2021

🌟JIMNA FIRE TOWER CELEBRATES🌟

The commencement of refurbishment and stabilization work on the iconic
Jimna Fire Tower was celebrated by an enthusiastic group of the towers
most ardent supporters on Saturday 19th June 2021. The occasion was
organised by the Jimna Fire Tower Action Group (JFTAG), where speakers
emphasized the heritage significance of the structure, and how fortunate we
are to have retained this unique part of Australian history.

Father Morgan Batt travelled from his Ipswich diocese to deliver a stirring
account of his family's connection with the Jimna area, and also gave thanks
to all those involved in saving the tower, and gave blessings for the successful
completion of this special redevelopment project.

JFTAG was particularly thankful for the attendance of the Honourable Robert
Skelton MP, State member for Nicklin, who spoke passionately about the potential
of the Jimna Fire Tower as a future tourism attraction, and has committed to returning
to Jimna in coming weeks to assess the recreational tourism possibilities the vast Jimna
State Forest and adjacent Conondale National Park offers. JFTAG is also very pleased
to know that Robert will be taking back to the Queensland Government, on behalf of all
interested parties, deepest appreciation for the 1.5 ml funding that has allowed this project
to get underway.

The occasion was highlighted by the launch of the Arthur Leis Legacy and Jimna Memorial
Plot Fund, which will be used to publically honour the pioneers of the Jimna district. Gary Leis,
son of legendary fire tower builder Arthur Leis performed the honours, by announcing the
generous contribution of $2000-00 from the Eumundi District Community Association to kick
start the fund. With JFAGI having given $1000-00 and individual contributions to date, the fund
stands at $3550-00 at time of writing.

Apologies were accepted from State Member for Nanango the honourable Deb Frecklinton MP,
and the Federal Member for Blair the honourable Shayne Neumann MP. Moving forward it is now
imperative that the Jimna Fire Tower receives bipartisan support from all levels of government,
and all sections of the wider community, so that it's full potential to local business, employment,
and to the development of eco-friendly forest recreational tourism can be achieved. May the
Jimna Fire Tower stand forever as a symbol of our pride as a nation, and to be an inspiration
to our future generations when they learn the story of how it was built and how it has survived.
Rhonda Affoo....Chairperson......Jimna Fire Tower Action Group. (JFTAG)

Photo Captions ......1..ROBERT SKELTON MP, MEMBER FOR NICKLIN..2.. ARTHUR LEIS LEGACY
FUND LAUNCHED BY GARY LEIS ..3.GATHERING AT THE JIMNA FIRE TOWER ...4..LUNCH AT JIMNA
INFO CENTRE

30/05/2021

Channel 9 video during the Save The Jimna Fire Tower campaign in 2007...ENJOY😃

Save the Jimna Fire Tower report on Channel 9 Extra

25/05/2021

This is a great little video created a few years ago, by the then 14 year old, Nick Palmer - a remarkable young man who has, over the years, shown incredible support for our mission to save the Fire Tower.

please save the fire tower LIKE & SUBSCRIBEFOLLOW US ON:INSTAGRAM-n1ckyp

18/05/2021

It was so lovely having a visit from this cycling group over the weekend. After stopping over in Jimna for a bite to eat, they headed up past the Fire Tower down to Monsildale on their way to Linville and the Brisvane Valley Rail Trail! Happy travels! 😎