tukayaway,
Meat posted his current plans recently on the OIFC recently. I don't have the link, but it's under a thread called Jimmy Barnes. As of now, he plans to take 6 months off after NZ. Then, he's changed his mind, a few concerts in the US, for 9 weeks, starting in Oct. After that, starting Bat III after Christmas.
I'm really glad he's taking a rest. And really glad he changed his mind and will do more gigs.
T