Premier Mark McGowan officially opened the new $5.2 million campground and boating facilities at Collie's Lake Kepwari today, marking the delivery of a major election commitment to drive tourism and support the local economy.
Formerly an open-cut coalmine, the site has been transformed into a water-based tourism hub, featuring areas for boating, waterskiing, swimming, camping and picnicking.
Construction on the facilities has seen the development of a dual lane boat ramp, designated parking for boat trailers and sealed accessible pathways throughout the site.
The completed works will allow for boating and water sport recreation, and has created 55 construction jobs for the local economy.
The Burra campground has 21 campsites suited to all types of campers, with a second campground to be constructed soon on the northern lakeshore to accommodate visitor demand.
The new facilities at Lake Kepwari are part of the larger $23.3 million investment in infrastructure for parks and forests in the Collie region.
Through this project, the McGowan Government is making significant investment into the region, including a mega mural at Wellington Dam, and mountain bike, walk trails and drive trails through the Collie River Valley and Ferguson Valley.
Lake Kepwari officially opens to the public tomorrow (December 10). More information is available at https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/lake-kepwari
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"It's a pleasure to open the new facilities at Lake Kepwari, which I expect will become one of Western Australia's premier recreational tourism destinations.
"With the opening of Lake Kepwari's facilities, Collie has taken another step forward in becoming a new nature-based, water sports tourism hub.
"The project will drive more tourists to Collie, delivering a boost to the town's economy.
"This is a major election commitment for Collie that has been many years in the making. I'd like to thank everyone who has played a part in making the project a reality, particularly Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, who has fought tirelessly to make this vision become a reality.
"Over the past three and a half years, my Government has worked hard to ensure a bright future for the people of Collie-Preston by creating a recreation and conservation hotspot, boosting regional tourism and creating jobs."
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The McGowan Government recognises the value of Western Australia's national parks, reserves and forests and is committed to creating new and improved ways for visitors to get out and connect with them.
"With Lake Kepwari opening and the development of the Wellington National Park walk and mountain bike trails, the region is well on its way to becoming a nature-based recreation and tourism hub.
"Now more than ever Western Australians are looking to holiday in their own backyards, and I am very much looking forward to seeing people enjoy these beautiful new facilities this summer."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
"I've been championing this project for a long time so I'm delighted to see it finally come to fruition thanks to the hard work of the State Government.
"Here in Collie, we've known for a long time about the appeal of spending time outdoors around the lakes and camping under the stars, and now the rest of the State is catching on.
"The Government's investment into the attractions around Collie is already resulting in increased visitation, and I'm excited to see Lake Kepwari become one of the many jewels in Collie's crown of outdoors destinations."
