The Blue Lake Welcome Centre will be re-activated over the summer period after opening on Friday.

The temporary pop up service will be staffed with Mount Gambier City Council visitor service officers from Friday to Monday between 10am and 3pm.

“We have provided our staff with additional training to ensure they are ready to provide information from the Blue Lake,” City Growth General Manager Tim Coote said.

“Staff will be able to answer any questions visitors may have when they stop to view the city’s leading tourist attraction.”

“Temporary parking permits will be provided to approved mobile food vendors to allow operators to serve food and drink outside of the Welcome Centre.

“Council is keen to activate the site with mobile food and coffee vendors and we will also sell new tourism merchandise such t-shirts, hoodies, caps, beanies and stickers. We will stock the Molony’s range of soft drinks including Blue Lake lemonade in the fridge.”

Crown Lands – Department for Environment and Water (DEW) granted council and SA Water joint custodianship of the key land parcel at the Blue Lake in June 2021. SA Water and council were named as custodians for recreation, tourism and water supply purposes.

In July 2020, council resolved to pursue a new avenue for the high-profile tourism site and its tourism assets as outlined in its 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, with a view to develop and deliver a tourism master plan for the area.

“The activation plan is temporary as council is in the process of preparing a draft Community Land Management Plan for the Blue Lake,” Mr Coote said.

“The plan will consider the State Heritage Crater Lakes precinct is managed in accordance with the Crater Lakes Conservation Management Plan and will involve community consultation in the new year.

“Council is working with SA Water to draft an agreement to guide the use, activities and protocols associated with the Blue Lake.”