Lake Kepwari is a step closer to becoming one of the South-West's premier tourism and recreation destinations, with rehabilitation works now underway at the site.
The McGowan Government has committed $3 million to develop Lake Kepwari as a recreational tourist destination and water sports events facility, as part of its plan to diversify Collie's economy and create local jobs in the region.
The lake is a former open-cut coal mine which was operated by Premier Coal for several decades.
The McGowan Government in late November approved mining company Premier Coal's proposal to complete the rehabilitation of the area, with earthworks now underway to prepare the land for handover to the State.
Premier Coal has awarded a contract to undertake earthmoving rehabilitation works at Lake Kepwari to Cardinal Contractors, a company based in Collie.
The works will focus on the Collie River South Branch inlet and outlet areas, as well as the breach area on the western bank of the former diversion channel.
Rehabilitation works are expected to be completed in early April.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is set to complete detailed design work for the development of recreational infrastructure at the site, which will include areas for swimming, camping and waterskiing.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Lake Kepwari is now one step closer to becoming one of the State's premier recreational tourism destinations.
"By opening the lake up to water-based activities like waterskiing and wakeboarding, we expect to see many more people visiting this part of the State which will deliver a boost to the local economy and create jobs.
"I appreciate Premier Coal's efforts in working to complete the rehabilitation of the Lake Kepwari site which will enable the plans for the area to be realised.
"It has been important to ensure that the environmental rehabilitation and community safety matters were appropriately addressed, which my Government has been working hard to resolve.
"The rehabilitation works will allow the progression of our $3 million project to turn the former mine site into a recreational tourism facility."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Our Government has put much effort into moving this project forward.
"We are committed to diversifying Collie's economy: the Lake Kepwari rehabilitation will pave the way to develop a fabulous new destination in the South-West."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
"The essential rehabilitation work to remediate the safety issues at Lake Kepwari is now underway.
"This is a major leap towards bringing the lake up to the standard required for public recreational use.
"Rehabilitation works will be followed by the installation of boating facilities and other infrastructure to ensure the lake has the appropriate amenities to become a tourism asset for the Collie region."
