Groups show confidence in Lake Kepwari - 8 October 2008
It is a few months away from opening to the public, but Lake Kepwari is already proving popular.
The rehabilitated Collie coal mine, which is being transformed into a recreational lake, has been identified by a number of groups as a possible location to hold events.
“So far we have fielded enquires from water-skiing, canoeing, scuba diving, marathon and triathlon groups,” Department of Environment and Conservation district manager Drew Griffiths said.
“It’s possible that in the future part or all of an event like the Collie Marathon, for instance, could be held there.”
Collie Visitor Centre manager Fran Kenneally said Lake Kepwari would provide a safe area for water sports and camping that would lure tourists into the coal mining town.
“The fact that the lake is on the eastern side of town is a huge advantage to businesses as people will have to travel through town to access it and are more likely to spend money at local businesses,” she said.
South West Development Commission chief executive Don Punch said Lake Kepwari was an exciting tourism opportunity for the local community and another plank in the ongoing diversification of the Collie economy.
“The lake is on track to open this summer,” he said.
“With the planning and design phase complete and the partial surrender of the mining lease back to the State imminent, progress is now being made on finalising the tenders for the construction program.
“Because the lake is slightly acidic due to the nature of the ground in the area, advice was sought from both the Department of Health and the Department of Water. The acidity is formed through ground water leakage into the lake at its deeper points. The acidity reduces each winter as water flows into the lake from the south branch of the Collie River and it increases slightly as water evaporates over summer. The lake is suitable for recreational use.”
Mr Griffiths said the lake, which was almost two kilometres long, one kilometre wide and 70m deep, had been subject to an extensive study program for several years.
He was confident the water was of a suitable quality for recreational use.
“The slightly acid 4.5 pH level at the lake is a factor that we will have to monitor on an ongoing basis as responsible managers,” Mr Griffiths said.
“But I am given confidence by the track record of nearby Stockton Lake.
“There has never been a report of health problems arising from acidity in all the decades that Stockton Lake, also a former mining void, has been open.”
“Stockton wasn’t rehabilitated at all, whereas Kepwari has had state-of-the-art rehabilitation.”
Mr Griffiths said as well as continuing to monitor pH levels at the lake, signs would be erected to advise that the water body is a rehabilitated mine and people with sensitive skin may wish to limit their time in the water.
The project has been hailed as a positive example of rehabilitation and of cooperation between community, business, government and mining groups.
“I feel a little humbled by the whole project,” Mr Griffiths said.
“Premier Coal did the rehabilitation, the Centre for Sustainable Mine Lakes coordinated the research, the Shire, Chamber of Commerce and local business provided plenty of support and the South West Development Commission brought all the players together and facilitated the funding for capital works and ongoing management.”
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille Watson
Community Relations Officer