Lake Kepwari funding boost
Collie will be home to one of WA’s biggest recreational freshwater lakes when Lake Kepwari opens to the public.
The project took a big step forward recently with $3.29 million of State Government funding for construction of infrastructure at the site.
Chairman of the joint community/government steering committee for the project Don Punch said the lake, located about 10 kilometres south east of the town, could be open to the public by the end of 2008.
“The funding will also allow ongoing management and operation of the site by the Department of Environment and Conservation,” Mr Punch said.
Lake Kepwari is a former coal mine excavation site presently being rehabilitated by Premier Coal. It holds approximately 30 gigalitres of water.
Mr Punch said the lake would create yet another tourist drawcard to the South West and raise the profile of the Collie area.
“Lake Kepwari is an exciting tourism opportunity for the local community and will help with the diversification of the Collie economy,” he said.
“There has been strong interest in the project from a number of water recreation groups. The lake will provide a new level of opportunities for skiing, diving and daytime recreational pursuits.”
The WA Police Service is also keen to use the lake as a training area for its divers.
“A lot of work has already been done at the site, including revegetation and battering the shores to create a beach-like slope,” Mr Punch said.
The name “Kepwari” is from the Noongar language and means “playing in water”. The project has been strongly supported by the Ngalang Boodja Aboriginal Council.
“The Lake Kepwari project also creates a great opportunity for Indigenous involvement,” Mr Punch said.