LAURA NEWEY
COLLIE and the South West are losing millions of dollars in potential revenue every year that Lake Kepwari remains closed.
That is the view of Collie Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Richard Jackson, who said he had hoped the lake would be open by now.
Mr Jackson was among community members who attended a meeting organised by Premier Coal to provide an update on the Lake Kepwari trial.
Principal environmental scientist at Golder Associates, Dr Clint McCullough, was key speaker.
Dr McCullough presented comprehensive data after a heavy rainfall last winter but could not give an opening date for the lake.
Mr Jackson said he could understand why the trials were taking place but remained adamant potential tourism income was being lost.
"General feedback from the town is they want it open as soon as possible," he said.
"What we would like to see is for the state government to lease out the area to a resort developer.
"The developer should then be tied to certain conditions which enable a variety of enthusiasts of all sports and backgrounds to access the lake with high-level and cheap accommodation available.
"Let the commercial world deal with the risks, similar to how they deal with them in every other instance."
Earlier this year Shire president Wayne Sanford told the Collie Mail he was annoyed about a South West Development Commission (SWDC) and Regional Development Australia South West draft blueprint listing the project as a priority but suggesting completion was anywhere between three and 15 years away.
"The presentation last week was very good and highlighted positive steps which need to be taken for the long term future of the lake and river," Cr Sanford said.
"You could argue that there is some lost opportunity but then there was nothing provided before that."
Premier Coal have been trialing the flow of Collie River water through Lake Kepwari for two years.
The company hopes to improve the environmental condition of the lake and river so the lake can be handed over for recreational use.
In August 2011 heavy rain caused an overflow from a diversion channel into Lake Kepwari.
The overflow occurred at the Collie River South Branch diversion, which was built about 17 years ago to allow for mining in the area.
While the overflow was not predictable, Premier Coal worked with authorities to research the best long-term solution for the lake.
In a 2011 statement, Premier Coal said the trial's final assessment and recommendations were expected by the end of 2014.