Lake’s not ours

BLACK Diamond lake is not the responsibility of the Shire of Collie, according to shire president Sarah Stanley.

Cr Stanley’s comment followed claims from former Black Diamond working group chairperson Rosanne Pimm that the shire was not actively pursuing development of the lake.

Mrs Pimm also called on the state government to implement a $6 million master plan for the lake.

She said the plan was based on a $70,000 study funded by the state government’s Collie Futures Small Grants program, which was secured by the Collie River Valley Marketing group.

“That’s money that should not be put on the shelf and forgotten about,” she said.

Mrs Pimm also urged the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to take over management of the site, as was recommended by the Collie Shire Council in December 2020.

At that meeting, the council resolved that site management and ownership should be with DBCA. It also advocated for the state government to develop the land through an expression of interest process.

It was hoped a commercial operator would lease and develop a day use area and camping/accommodation facilities.

Cr Stanley said although council agreed to advocate for it, it did not mean the DBCA or state government would accept the responsibility for the site’s man- agement and redevelopment. “The shire recognises Black Diamond has enormous potential to attract locals, visitors and day-trippers to experience high-end eco-camping with food and drink served overlooking the stunning blue waters,” she said.

“Collie River Valley Marketing’s report was very helpful in identifying the opportunities as well as the complex land tenure and risk issues to be resolved at the lake.

“The shire respects the state’s role in working through these issues, assisting where possible, and would be supportive if a private enterprise showed interest in developing and managing the site.”

In the meantime, the shire would continue to provide basic health services in water sampling and rubbish removal as well as toilet facilities during peak times.

Cr Stanley could not confirm if any commercial expressions of interest (EOI) had been received.

The Member for Collie-Preston, Jodie Hanns, said she was not aware of any EOI in redeveloping the site.

“The government has delivered tens of millions in investment to turn Collie into one of the state’s premier tourism destinations, through projects like the Collie trails development, the Wellington Dam mural, Collie mural trails and Lake Kepwari,” Mrs Hanns said.

“We are always open to ideas that will create local jobs as part of Collie’s Just Transition.”