Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has announced that upgrades at the Peach Trees Camping area in the Jimna State Forest will total more than $1million when completed.
Mrs Frecklington said the million dollar upgrade, delivering on State Government’s election commitment to revitalise National Parks, and will include new toilets, a new sewage treatment plant, new road works, new fencing, and better access to nearby Yabba Creek.
“Peach Trees is a very popular campground, particularly during Easter and Christmas/New Year period, with people enjoying a barbeque and walk along the creek,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Peach Trees is particularly popular with families due to its large, open grassy areas, resident population of Eastern Grey kangaroos, and abundant birdlife.
“These new facilities and infrastructure will ensure visitors continue to have a world-class visitor experience at Peach Trees for years to come.”
Ms Frecklington said the total Peach Trees upgrade was due for completion in June 2016 and had a budget of $1,023,000.
Three new toilet blocks will be built to replace the existing facilities, with the associated treatment plant meeting the most stringent environmental requirements.
The first two toilet blocks are planned for completion in early 2015, with the third toilet block by the end of June 2015.
Work on these facilities is due to start prior to Christmas 2014 with the existing facilities available through the construction phase.
“We will also be upgrading the access road to the camping area, with this scheduled to start after the coming Christmas-New Year holidays.
“Yabba Creek swimming hole, next to the camping area, is very popular and the upgrade will include stabilisation works to the creek bank and access track.
“As well, fencing around the camping area will be replaced, mainly to prevent stock from wandering into the camp grounds from neighbouring lands.”
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said camper capacity had been reduced to 150 people, through to 31 January 2015, to allow for demolition and construction of new toilet facilities.
President of the Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce and Community, Cheryl Gaedtke, said the Peach Trees upgrade would be a great benefit to the to the economic growth of local Kilcoy businesses, as well as providing greater visitation to the unique ex-timber township of Jimna.
“Peach Trees is such a lovely area for families to spend time with nature in a safe environment and there are also plenty of public forest drives to take to appreciate the beauty of our natural assets,” Cheryl said.
Mr Dickson said the $1 million Peach Trees camping area upgrade was further proof of the Queensland Government’s commitment to encouraging more people to visit the state’s national parks and State forests.
“National Parks and State forests not only preserve our environment, they also serve to bring people closer to nature and help them appreciate all the natural beauty our state has to offer,” Mr Dickson said.
“And although we’ve had to reduce capacity at this site temporarily, I assure visitors that the Peach Trees camping area will remain open over the coming Christmas and New Year holiday period.”
Camping bookings for Peach Trees can be made by visiting www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/jimna/index.html.
People intending to enjoy Queensland’s national parks, particularly if camping, can view the latest information on park conditions by visiting National Parks’ Park Alerts web pages at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/index.php.
Photos: Peach Trees Camping Area, Jimna
