Kinaba timeline

Construction dates

  • 1970
    • Sir Thomas Hiley approached State Government to offer the State financial assistance of the newly formed Bird and Wildfowl Society in support of a particular project or projects related to wildfowl conservation.
  • 1977s
    • Sir Thomas Hiley fund established for the purpose of funding a project which would contribute to the preservation and public observation of native bird species in their natural environment.
    • Initial proposal was for development of a suitable site at Kippa-Ring, Brisbane.
    • Other developments in the vicinity of this site made the project inoperable.
    • Subsequent proposal was for development of the "Kinaba Wetland Area" of Cooloola National Park.
    • Initially approx $100 000 was raised by Sir Hiley and associates to fund project.
    • Estimated cost of building was approx $200 000.
    • $50 000 made available by special Treasury Grant to be spent in one financial year.
    • QNPWS provided additional funding - by January 1979, QPNPWS had contributed $180 033.
    • Qld Works Department provided architectural design assistance, planning, calling of tenders and supervision of project.
  • 1978
    • In May work began on construction. Robertson Brothers, Gympie building contractors gained contract for building. Employed 20 men on building of Centre.
    • 168 piles were sunk to 4.5 to 5 metres, framework build to Spotted Gum with horizontal 6x1 Cypress tongue and groove.
    • 16th September Centre opened (not completed).
  • 1979
    • opened to public in March.
    • Bird and Wildfowl Society contributed $73 000 to the project.

Management and visitation

  • 1979 -2000 
    • 2 National Parks Rangers on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
    • The reasons for their presence were:
      • meet and greet visitors and tour boats
      • answer enquiries and questions
      • provide school intepretative talks to majority of visiting schools
      • take weather recordings and visitor counts
      • deliver key conservation messages
      • make and share nature notes
      • regular patrols conducted along Upper Noosa River and Everglades
      • building, jetty and walkways, and grounds maintenance
  • since 2000
    • no daily staff presence
    • only basic maintenance
    • shift in QPWS focus to beach compliance
  • 2005-2010
    • 53 847 campers
    • day trippers would far outweigh campers

Proposal to re-invigorate and restore Kinaba Information Centre

  • 2011
    • At a public meeting in July, many Boreen Point community members voted to form Friends of Kinaba and deliver a proposal to the Department of Environment and Resource Management, offering to re-invigorate and restore Kinaba Information Centre, staffing it voluntarily for the dissemination of conservation information to visitors, and retaining this public asett for the benefit of the public.
    • Steering Committe of Friends of Kinaba formed to hold regular meetings and gather information and supporting documentation and networks to make the proposal to DERM.
    • Began to hold picnics at Kinaba to remind visitors and the local community that Sir Thomas Hiley Information Centre is available for the public to enjoy 
  • 2012
    • In June, after many meetings and much community support our porposal was finalized and forwarded to Department of Environment and Resource Management.
    • NICA (Noosa Intergrated Catchment Authority) offered to auspice our group, offering volunteer insurance and extended networks.
    • Support also from Queensland Parks Association, Noosa Parks Association, Noosa Biosphere, Boreen Point CCA, Boreen Point Sailing Club, Noosa Landcare, Cooloola Coastcare, and members of the Boreen Point Community.
    • Word from the Minister, Steve Dickson, that soon there would be advertised an offer to submit an "Expression of Interest".  We could submit our "Expression of Interest"
    • More great picnics and lots of interest generated through the website www.kinaba.org  donated by local resident Martin Chadwick.
  • 2013
    • In May, Friends of Kinaba and Landcare jointly submitted a Friends of Parks small grants application for the materials required to fulfill our proposal, and to revegetate Elanda Plains.
    • No further news - surety from the Minister that no management rites have been offered to any parties.
    • Members of Friends of Kinaba inducted as National Park volunteers, awaiting permission to begin work.
    • Jim Bennett donated a dinghy to transport workers and tools to Kinaba. 
    • In September, our Workplace Health and Safety Training Officers were able to begin inducting our volunteers, and the work began at Kinaba.  Cleaning, oiling, replacing posts, decking, joists and an asbestos inspection.
    • More donations from the Boreen Point Community.
    • Had many good picnics during the year.
  • 2014
    • ​Working Bee and Picnic either side of the full moon in February - more improvements achieved
    • 7th May saw a cleaning, painting and wire-brushing bolts working bee
    • 2nd June, Al and a few other volunteers checked peeling paint over asbestos for undercoat seal.  Undercoat was in good condition in the areas checked on this visit.
    • 24th July painting the ceilings where the asbestos has been tested for safety.  Also painting beams and more wire-brushing bolts.
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