Gold Coast bushfires: Pleas for tourists and locals to come back to Gold Coast Hinterland

The devastated chairman of the iconic Binna Burra Lodge has backed a bold tourism campaign planned to help the Gold Coast Hinterland bounce back from the fires which have left it in ruins.

POLITICAL leaders are pleading with tourists and visitors to not abandon the fire-ravaged Gold Coast Hinterland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday announced plans for a post-disaster tourism campaign highlighting the Hinterland’s assets amid fears of a devastating downturn in the wake of the fires, which destroyed the iconic Binna Burra Lodge.

Binna Burra Lodge's Steve Noakes has been left devastated by the destruction of the once picturesque lodge which now lays in ruins. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Ms Palaszczuk said the Hinterland would rise from the ashes.

“I will task Minister (Cameron) Dick and Minister (Kate) Jones to look at a post-recovery tourism campaign because the best way people can show their support is to come back here.

“This is a beautiful community and we need to show our support.”

On Wednesday this week there will be a meeting to help locals who have lost their jobs at Binna Burra.

RESIDENTS LEFT SHOCKED BY FIRES

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk thanks Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“If you are a local employer who can put on someone from Binna Burra until it is rebuilt you will have a very grateful community,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

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She visited the shattered remains of Binna Burra Lodge yesterday with its chairman Steve Noakes.

An emotional Mr Noakes said he was absorbing the shock of seeing the 86-year-old landmark in its ruined form.

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk toured Timbarra Drive in Beechmont which was damaged by the recent fires. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“Every time I go back there you experience different levels of emotions,” he told the Bulletin last night.

“I have had the need to go quite frequently over the past week so I can absorb the hurt and pain more than others who may not be able to just yet.

“We are now launching our ‘Bring back Binna Burra campaign’ and beginning the recovery phase.”

STUNNING POLAIR VISION OF BUSH ON FIRE

The ruins of Binna Burra. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Mr Noakes thanked all levels of government and backed the State Government’s push to boost tourism in the area.

Binna Burra Lodge’s main building, library reception and one sky lodge went up in the blaze.

Two rows of heritage lodge cottages built in the 1930s were also destroyed.

But the pottery shed, the historic Groom cottage, the tea house, camp ground and the barn were saved.

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Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen yesterday. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said the Hinterland region would carry on but called on people to return.

“One of the sad side-effects is that some people think the whole region has burned. We are a massive region,” he said.

“This is a 6000 ha scar which is hurting us deeply but O’Reilly’s and Tamborine are open.

“The best way people can help us is to keep coming and embrace our community. You will experience something which will lift your life.

“This is the beginning of a long, hot season but this community will stand firm.”

The Hinterland has been left devastated by the fires. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annelise Battista said the Hinterland would form part of a new campaign due to launch early in 2020.

She said the Hinterland was a “wonderful asset’ to the Coast.

But locals have told the premier that some homeowners who lost their properties to the fires are planning against returning.

Ms Palaszczuk, who said the decisions of those affected needed to be respected, joined emergency services leaders to tour Timbara Drive at Beechmont where nine houses were lost.

The burnt-out shells of houses were seen, where the fire was so intense that heavy metal items had been reduced to molten slag.

Melted rubbish bins and the shattered remains of sheds were all that remained of other properties.