Lake Kepwari
Lake Kepwari is a water-filled former open-cut coal mine, 10 kilometres south-east of the mining town of Collie.
Almost two kilometres long, one kilometre wide and 70 metres deep, the Lake Kepwari void was formerly known as Western Five, and is part of a mining lease rehabilitated by Wesfarmers Premier Coal.
The water body and its surrounds present an enormous recreational opportunity for the local community and for visitors to the Collie area.
The South West Development Commission, in close partnership with the Lake Kepwari Working Group, is facilitating development of recreational amenities around the lake.
When complete, the Lake Kepwari recreation area is expected to contain a mix of public and private investment capital.
The SWDC successfully completed a capital works application to the State Government to fund the initial public infrastructure and services, while private investors have already indicated their interest in funding accommodation and facilities.
The Lake Kepwari Working Group hopes to call for Expressions of Interest from the private sector late in 2005.
Lake Kepwari is expected to be opened to the public by December 2006, and while the project is progressing very well, a critical factor will be the outcome of the water testing.
Public safety is of primary concern in the development of the lake, and the pace of environmental rehabilitation and geological stability at the lake is to a large degree set by nature.
It has taken five years for the lake to fill with water, and now some time must be allowed for it to be studied to ensure it is safe for the public.
The name for Lake Kepwari came from the Ngalang Boodja Aboriginal Council, which expressed their strong support for the project.
"Kepwari" is a word from the Noongar Aboriginal language meaning "playing in water".
An Open Day was held at the lake in May 2005 which gave the general public an opportunity to see progress of the lake and to view water skiing trials.