$3.7 million to revitalise regional lakes

Monday, 21 November 2016

• $3.7 million to revitalise lakes in Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions
• Lake Yealering and Lake Ewlyamartup to be enhanced
• Made possible by Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions program 

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman today announced the enhancement of the Yealering and Ewlyamartup lakes, thanks to a $3.7 million Liberal National Government investment through the Royalties for Regions Living Lakes Stage 3 initiative.

Mr Redman said the project would employ creative engineering solutions to improve water quality and create permanent and accessible water bodies for the enjoyment of local communities and tourists.

"Investment in these lakes will re-establish native flora and fauna, attract visitors and deliver economic returns to the communities," he said.

"Lake Yealering in the Wheatbelt and Lake Ewlyamartup in the Great Southern are both integral to their communities.

"This investment, through the Royalties for Regions Living Lakes initiative, will increase opportunities for bird watching, boating, swimming and water-skiing.

"This revitalisation will boost visitation to these lakes, helping to bring tourism dollars to surrounding communities as well as providing environmental and social benefits."

Engineering improvements to both lakes are aimed at increasing the average number of days each year with water depth greater than 1.5 metres, as well as significantly improving the quality of the water.

The Living Lakes initiative will complement the improvements made by the local communities to the amenity of the lakes.

Fact File

• Living Lakes Stage 3 initiative is being managed by the Wheatbelt Natural Resource Management group
• Lake Ewlyamartup is 17km from Katanning and Lake Yealering is 2km from Yealering
• Find out how Royalties for Regions is transforming your regional community at https://rfrmap.drd.wa.gov.au