The creation of a new conservation park to attract tourists to Lake Leake near Glencoe has been touted by Wattle Range Council.

To this end, it has written to Forests Minister David Basham asking him to initiate a review of the Lake Leake catchment area ultimately leading to a creation of a conservation park.

Much of the land surrounding Lake Leake is pine plantation land owned by the State Government but on long-term lease to OneFortyOne Plantations.

The decision to lobby Mr Basham was taken at the August monthly council meeting and follows discussions and decisions at earlier monthly forums in 2021.

According to Sorby Adams ward councillor Dale Price, higher water levels in Lake Leake would be a drawcard for tourists.

Cr Price attributed the low water level to a lack of run-off caused by the pine plantations surrounding Lake Leake.

The council backed his request to OneFortyOne Plantations to permanently cease its pine plantations at Lake Leake.

Furthermore, council decided to explore the possibility of “swapping” its 40 hectares of surplus council-controlled pine plantations at Furner with the land at Lake Leake.

Correspondence on this matter was tabled at the August monthly council meeting.

Mr Basham welcomed the discussions but pointed out the lease with OneFortyOne Plantations required the plantation area to be maintained.

OneFortyOne Plantations operations general manager Mick Theobold quoted extensive scientific data which stated the pine plantations were not responsible for the low water levels in Lake Leake.

Mr Theobold said his company was interested in partnering with the council in the development of the Furner land which was currently in a fallow state.

Council will now investigate the possible transfer/rededication of the Furner land.

Mr Basham will also be asked to change to the rules governing OneFortyOne Plantations for the forest area.