City of Mount Gambier reopened Potters Point and the Valley Lake for recreational use from Friday 25 February 2022 following a fire that burned 50 hectares of grass and scrub in the Crater Lakes precinct last month.
Ongoing damage and risk assessments in the area are informing the phased reopening process.
The Valley Lake boat ramp is open for public use in time for the last weekend of the summer season.
“We have assessed the lake and it is safe for recreational activities to resume,” City of Mount Gambier Crater Lakes Fire Incident Controller Barbara Cernovskis said.
“Valley Lake Water quality testing continues, and an additional flag has been placed on the monitoring float for safety purposes. If you’re planning on using the lake for boating activities, please keep away from the float.”
Potters Point lookout and the Marist mainline mountain bike trail that leads to Marist Park and the Oaks area has also reopened.
“Temporary fencing has been erected in the area to keep people out of trail links that lead into Brownes Lake which is still considered to be too dangerous to enter.”
“Please adhere to the barriers as they are there to protect your safety.”
“Brownes Lake, Centenary Tower and the pines area are expected to remain closed for some time.”
An independent arborist and engineers will continue to undertake additional assessment work in the area surrounding Brownes Lake and Centenary Tower in the coming weeks.
“Drones will be used to assess the slope and stability of the crater and we will need to monitor how it changes over time. We’ll also be assessing the impact of recent rains and if any land slippage occurred.”
“Council will also assess the Brownes Lake grassed area to make sure that is safe for mowing."
The fire was first reported at about 2:30am on 25 January 2022 after flames were seen near Centenary Tower. It was contained by emergency services on Wednesday 26 January 2022 and the Crater Lakes precinct was returned to the care and control of Council on Thursday 27 January 2022.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 0413 798 327 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
