Three lakes listed in Living Lakes study, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 29-November-2011
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls today announced three lakes - Yealering, Ewlyamartup and Towerrinning - had been shortlisted for further consideration in the Living Lakes feasibility study.
Mr Grylls said $1.6million Royalties for Regions funding has been allocated over two years to complete the feasibility, design, engineering and costing for the Living Lakes initiative.
”Following an expression of interest process in August 2010, 25 lakes were nominated from the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, Mid-West and South-West,” he said.
“In June 2010, JDA Consultant Hydrologists were named successful proponent to conduct the feasibility study and shortlist the nominated lakes with Lake Yealering, Lake Ewlyamartup and Lake Towerrinning ranked the highest.
“The lakes were assessed and ranked against a range of themes, including regional development, tourism potential, enhancement options, social impacts, business opportunities, ecological impacts, recreational and social opportunities, land vesting and access.”
The next phase of the study has started and will determine the viability, cost and benefit to the community of enhancing one or more of the shortlisted lakes to create permanent and accessible water bodies.
“With a program of creative solutions, these natural lakes could be transformed into permanent living reservoirs, resulting in social, economic and environmental benefits,” the Minister said.
Mr Grylls said the Living Lakes initiative demonstrated the State Government’s commitment and innovative approaches towards increasing vibrancy and enhancing the lives of people living in regional communities.
