Historic Binna Burra Lodge destroyed by fire

A taskforce has been established to help rebuild the Binna Burra Lodge after a fierce bushfire gutted the famous 86-year-old Queensland tourism destination. Staff say there is glimmer of hope that a tiny part of the iconic retreat escaped damage.

STAFF at the iconic Binna Burra Lodge are clutching at hope that a small parcel of the property has escaped a devastating blaze and could be the focal point for rebuilding.

Chairman Steve Noakes said reports from fire fighters indicated about 95 per cent of infrastructure had been destroyed however they were still waiting to learn the fate of the teahouse, permanent tents and camping ground at the top of the property.

“If we can save that, that will be the start of a new Binna Burra,” Mr Noakes said.

Amid the fog of receiving updates from fire fighters, scanning insurance clauses and worrying about the 70 staff and the fate of his own home, Mr Noakes said the first ideas for rebuilding the popular tourist attraction came to him about lunchtime Monday.

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He is loosely planning a reenactment of the original 1933 Christmas camp organised by founders Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey that drew about 70 pioneering naturalists.

From the tents of that first camp, Binna Burra grew into an award-winning eco development with accommodation and restaurants.

But Mr Noakes said the most important asset built up over the past 86 years was it connection to generations of Australians.

“There are intergenerational connections with Binna Burra that spreads widely and that’s an asset for us,” he said.

“We have to look at how we harness that good will and network and connection and knowledge and affinity to the place and create a new vision for Binna Burra, it won’t be the same vision it will be a different one for the next 86 years.”

The popular tourist attraction had stood for decades before being gutted by fire. Picture: Supplied/7 News Brisbane

He said designs and plans for any rebuilding would have to account for the impact of climate change on sub-tropical forests

“Fire’s always on the agenda but there’s never been anything as catastrophic as this,” he said.

“We’ve never had dryness like this before. This is unusual dry conditions. When you’ve got a subtropical rain forest it means you have rain and a forest and we’re just not having the rain.

The Palaszczuk Government has committed to help the rebuilding and will create a taskforce to support the heritage listed lodge especially supporting displaced staff.

Binna Burra founders Arthur Groom And Romeo Lahey in 1938.

Binna Burra lodge.

This morning, the State Government announced a taskforce had been set up to help rebuild.

State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the taskforce would help fast-track approvals with local government agencies to make sure rebuilding was not delayed and help workers access financial assistance, retraining and career information if needed, and help with debt, bills or access to mental health services.

“Rebuilding and restoration is a crucial part of the overall recovery process, and we appreciate the love both locals and visitors hold for Binna Burra and the lodge itself,” Mr Dick said.

“We’ve been in contact this morning with Chairman of Binna Burra Lodge Steve Noakes to extend our hand and offer our assistance to staff.

“We appreciate this is a very difficult time for everyone affected and we want them to know our government is here to support them with their recovery.”

Binna Burra Lodge has breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

Mr Noakes said the offer was appreciated. “We look forward to working with the whole community to get Binna Burra back on its feet,” Mr Noakes said.

“While this has been an incredibly difficult time for the business, my staff and family, it’s been gratifying to see so much love and support from the whole community.”

A three-day training program by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) was scheduled to be hosted by Binna Burra Lodge later this month and the Government will help in facilitating the event, should the owners wish.

Visitors reported seeing the restaurant on fire. Picture: ABC

OVERNIGHT: AS firefighters fought their way towards Binna Burra lodge early Sunday morning they heard glass shattering in the historic old buildings.

Already on the defensive and cut off from their heavy equipment, which was blocked behind dozens of massive gum trees strewn across the road, they were ordered to abort the rescue mission about 3am as conditions worsened.

They knew the popular tourist attraction was in critical danger with some reporting seeing flames inside the lodge and restaurant before they left.

Those fears were confirmed soon after first light as water bombing helicopters returned to the skies and their crews reported the total destruction of the popular tourist attraction.

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the damage to the lodge was “quite extreme”.

“The lodge tragically has been fully destroyed,” he said.

“The majority of the commercial assets, the accommodation units, the restaurant and so forth have also all been destroyed and there will be a significant recovery effort.”

Binna Burra Lodge staff took to Facebook over the weekend, issuing increasingly urgent updates to guests that the iconic resort was under direct threat and was being evacuated.

Finally, around 11am yesterday came the news many had feared: the Lodge had been lost. Ariel photographs of buildings built in 1933 razed by the flames were posted to social media.

“This is a very sad day for us all,” the post read.

The Sky Lodges, a group of award-winning $12m luxury apartments with views to Numinbah Valley, were also heavily damaged by the fire.

Historic Binna Burra Lodge was an eco-favourite for locals and international tourists alike, offering nature-lovers a dose of serenity for generations.

Lamington National Park ranger Will Buch says multiple generations of families have celebrated weddings, anniversaries and birthdays in the dining and recreation rooms which were handcrafted from an old Canungra boarding house.

Local tallowwood slabs and stringybark shingles were used to build the cabins at the resort founded in 1933 by conservationists Arthur Groom and Romeo Lahey, who wanted visitors to enjoy the Lamington National Park rainforest.

“It is the sort of place where people come and stay a week, to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature,” Mr Buch said.

He said guests were treated to “old-school” activities like a flying fox, abseiling, bush walking, bird walks, card games and social events and the lodge attracted a loyal following of repeat guests, some whose parents or grandparents married there.

“We are absolutely shattered,” he said. “Some of the buildings are over 100 years old, that’s irreplaceable.”

“The usual questions go through your mind. What else could have been done?”

Mr Buch said that fortunately the breathtaking views would soon return, because fire-prone vegetation recovers “very quickly”.

Marriage celebrant Josh Withers, who has overseen four weddings at the venue, said the lodge’s tranquillity and serenity lured visitors from far afield.

“It’s just one of those places in the hinterland you feel like you’re a million miles away.

“Driving up you go through the beautiful forests and winding roads and arrive to this really warm and hospitable feeling at the resort,” Mr Withers said.

“It has a real ‘up in the mountains’ feel, and a view that really does take your breath away,” he said.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said Binna Burra has been an iconic Gold Coast attraction for generations.

“We’ll work with the operator to help them get back on their feet in coming weeks,” she said.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh said the blaze had destroyed about 10 other properties along the Binna Burra Rd.

Peter Eckett, who has lived at Binna Burra for 30 years, left his property on Friday and has been unable to return with police turning him back when he got within about 4km on Saturday.

However firefighters told him his house had been “completely burnt to the ground”.

“You get emotional, it’s a shock and a big loss,” he said.