After help from a state government grant a local marketing group is able to take the first step to managing Black Diamond Lake and to capitalise on the influx of tourists.
The Collie River Valley Marketing group was recently awarded $70,000 under the Collie Futures Small Grants Program, set up to aid the diversification of the Collie economy.
The group is using the grant for a feasibility study on the management of the lake to help encourage tourists to visit the town centre.
Collie River Valley Marketing committee member Rosanne Pimm said there was an opportunity to capitalise on the lakes popularity.
“Collie has the opportunity to capitalise on the thousands of visitors crowding the area particularly during the summer and holiday periods by providing an experience that will encourage visitors to stay longer and spend in Collie,” she said.
Known for its intense blue waters, Black Diamond Lake is an historical abandoned mine site.
In recent times, visitors have been inspired to visit the lake after seeing it on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Ms Pimm said they would be working closely to balance welcoming visitors to the managed site and also being respectful of the local community who have properties backing onto the lake.
“A managed site with facilities will provide visitors with a memorable experience at a unique, beautiful recreation site located on the trails network close to Collie," she said.
“This will in turn provide for extra business activity/opportunities and the need to create more job opportunities.”
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said he was proud to see the funding go towards a project that would deliver direct benefit to the town and local economy.
“We already know that Black Diamond Lake is an incredibly popular tourism destination, so this grant will help to capitalise on the influx of visitors and encourage them to visit the town centre, where they can spend their money and boost the local economy," he said.
“This importance of this funding is also very much about the responsible management of the environment at Black Diamond Lake, so we can have a sustainable, long-lasting attraction.
“The power of social media and our love for sharing photos has resulted in the booming popularity of this swimming spot. I am excited to see how this area will potentially transform."
