Minister asks for Black Diamond plan

REGIONAL Development Minister Don Punch has expressed an interest in the Black Diamond lake concept plan.

This was reported to Collie Shire Council last week by deputy president Ian Miffling.

Cr Miffling told councillors that Mr Punch asked for a copy of the plan when attending the recent opening of the replica underground mine at the Collie Visitor Centre.

Councillors heard that Cr Miffling and

Mrs Rosanne Pimm, who chaired the group investigating the project, took the opportunity to discuss the plan with Mr Punch.

“The minister said he had not seen the report which was submitted to the South West Development Authority (SWDA) and he asked for a copy of it,” Cr Miffling said.

“Mrs Pimm agreed to forward a copy to him.”

The report covered day use of the Black

Diamond lake area, and the possibility of a nearby camping or chalet area to be privately developed.

The plan has been the subject of contention for the past two years.

Recently Mrs Pimm urged the State Government to act on the plan which she said had been “gathering dust”.

The plan indicates that is it the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions who should manage the lake.