Jimna Fire Tower Redevelopment

24/05/2025

🌟The good news is SPREADING and momentum is building!🌟 This is an article that was published in the Sentinel News this past week.

12/05/2025

JIMNA FIRE TOWER NEWS UPDATE

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS:-
The previous update August 22nd 2024 from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAF), confirmed that DAF remains committed to completing the structural assessment and detailed construction plans by the end of 2024 to allow works to proceed in early 2025.
THE LATEST GOOD NEWS:-
"The structural assessment was completed in April 2025 and the results are currently being evaluated". JFAGI is increasingly confident that a new contract will soon be awarded to allow the "project reset" to finally complete redevelopment of this Aussie Icon. Many thanks to the tower's old supporters who have patiently remained hopeful of a fruitful outcome, JFAGI is pleased
to report that, with a positive outcome in sight, the tower is attracting a new wave of admirers and supporters. For a small annual fee you can book a front row seat at the expected opening of the newly refurbished Jimna Fire Tower by visiting www.jimnafiretower.com , complete a membership
form....and send...Single $10....Family $15....Business $20....a receipt will be returned.
For more information Ph Sec/Treas...Dave M 0438 726 570...
or call into the Jimna Visitor Information Centre...4 Currawong St. Jimna Qld.

YOUR............SUPPORT............IS............GREATLY.............APPRECIATED
PEOPLE... POWER.... HAS....SAVED.....THE....JIMNA.....FIRE ....TOWER

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