Collie company Cardinal Contractors has completed work on upgrading the first 2.2 kilometres of the access road to Lake Kepwari, as the State Government announces an additional $2.7 million of funding towards the tourism development.
The additional funding will enhance the scope of the water-based tourism development – bringing the total to $5.7 million – to deliver a quality tourism and recreation hub for waterskiing, wakeboarding, boating and swimming.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has also begun installing toilets at the site and will build a new bridge over the Collie River.
Work commenced in January 2020 on the development of recreational infrastructure, including providing sealed access to the boat ramp, the construction of a dual lane boat ramp with jetty, 85 parking bays suitable for boat trailers and 65 for cars.
In the coming months, further works will be carried out to provide access to the lake foreshore, including boat and swimming beach areas and camping areas.
Lake Kepwari, a former open cut coal mine which has since filled with water and connected to the Collie River, offers ideal conditions for water-based recreation activities such as skiing.
Mining company Premier Coal is in the process of completing rehabilitation works in this area, enabling construction works to commence.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“This destination has the potential to become a hub for water-based activities and stimulate further tourism growth in the Collie area.
“New visitor infrastructure and services at Lake Kepwari will support recreational activities including camping, boating, swimming and deep-water diving.
“The development of Lake Kepwari is one of several projects in the region that aims to boost nature-based tourism opportunities, with several mountain bike trails and walk trails also being developed across Collie and surrounding areas of the south-west.”
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“The McGowan Government has worked hard to deal with the complexities of this project to reach this point where work can begin.
“The wait is almost over for the Collie community, with construction on the main recreational infrastructure underway with a funding boost from the McGowan Government.
“Having a local company in Cardinal Contractors carry out these works is a real win-win for Collie, delivering local jobs throughout the project in line with our Government’s commitment to regional local procurement.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
“After protracted negotiations between Premier Coal and the State Government it is fantastic to see more work now being done on the ground at Lake Kepwari.
“The extra $2.7 million that has been allocated towards this much anticipated project will make sure it is done right the first time.
“It’s great to have Cardinal Contractors on board to upgrade the entry road – I’m sure everyone in town is just as excited as I am to see work being done.”
