In a small town 20 kilometers west of Bundaberg, Queensland, an extraordinary collection of gravity-defying machinery perched atop old power poles has long captured the hearts of both locals and tourists alike.
The brainchild of 84-year-old Jim Sauer, this unconventional outdoor museum along Koolboo Road in South Kolan has become a beacon of creativity and joy.
The collection, which includes everything from cars and trucks to a plane and a boat, was started by Jim as a lighthearted project to bring a little happiness to those passing by his property.
In a late 2023 interview to the ABC Wide Bay, Jim Sauer said people from all over the world arrive to marvel at the machinery madness and sign the visitor book.
"With so many bad things happening in the world today, if I can put a smile on somebody's face, it makes it all worthwhile," he said of the reasons behind the installation.
"All sorts have come from all over Australia and New Zealand. I've even had a young couple from Russia and the Netherlands," he added.
"Jim has done an absolutely amazing job here. The machinery items are amazing and the time and effort put into these can be seen! Well done what a great place to visit. I drove from Brisbane just to see these," one visitor says in a Google Review of Jim's efforts.
However, the future of this beloved attraction is now hanging in the balance due to local council's directive to dismantle, sparking a significant community outcry and a petition aimed at saving Jim's Row of Machinery.
Community Pushback
Bundy residents are up in arms after learning that the iconic Jim's Row of Machinery is facing removal by the Bundaberg Regional Council.
Citing alleged complaints from some neighbors, the council has reportedly issued Jim a deadline of June to take down his whimsical museum exhibiting 15 vehicles, including cars, trucks, a plane, and a boat atop old power poles on his South Kolan property.
This ultimatum has sparked outrage amongst residents, who have launched a petition and rallied online to save the beloved landmark. The petition, started by Whitney Woodfield, has already garnered over 2,500 signatures, exceeding half its 5,000 next goal, at the time of publishing.
"It's even featured as a tourist attraction on the Queensland.com site!" Woodfield wrote in the petition.
"Jim has been told by council to take his machinery down and [he] is sadly selling them".
"Please help save his Row of Machinery and have this overturned so this incredible local attraction can stay!".
"It’s an agricultural area and a great thing for the kids of today to see the old machinery. Jim isn’t doing harm to anyone! Council leave him alone and focus on bigger issues in the community than on someone who’s just trying to bring a smile to the community," local resident Amanda says in her support.
"It's on his land and he should be able to show anything his wishes to, it's not an eye sore", agrees Garry, a local community member.
"How is this hurting anyone else? Great initiative, it’s nice to see his creativity!" adds Naomi.
A post on a Bundaberg Facebook page alerted residents to the council's move, with many expressing frustration over what they see as an unnecessary clampdown on a harmless and beloved local landmark.
"If anyone was thinking of going here I would do it sooner rather than later as the Karen neighbour down the road complained to the council and Jim has to take it all down. All his items are up for sale," says the facebook community post.
Locals have shared their fond memories of visiting the Row of Machinery and emphasized its importance to local tourism and community spirit.
According to the residents, the council has suddenly realised the machines on poles violate the 3m height rule (The council's website says development doesn't require a building development permit when it is no more than 3m high).
Local Government Elections
As Queensland local government elections loom on March 16, 2024, there is hope among supporters that a change in leadership might favor their cause.
The campaign to save the Row of Machinery not only reflects the community's attachment to the installation but also raises questions about cultural preservation, rural identity, artistic expression, and the challenges of navigating bureaucratic regulations.
Social media is abuzz with calls to action, urging residents to contact candidates to learn their positions.
"Bundaberg Regional Council, wanna fix this before you're all replaced at election time" [sic], warned one resident in a response to the community post.
Meanwhile, the community's fight to save this unique piece of local heritage continues, symbolizing a broader struggle for recognition and respect of grassroots artistic endeavors.
The Bundaberg Regional Council (or any candidate) has yet to respond to the growing public pressure, but whether the council will reconsider its decision or the issue sways voters in the upcoming election, one thing is clear: the rise of machines is far from over.
The petition is available here: Save Jim’s Row of Machinery
