High-level talks about the future management of Lake George and environs have recently been held on site.

Members of the Lake George Management Committee met with Deputy Premier and Environment Minister Dr Susan Close and Member for MacKillop Nick McBride at the Five-Mile car park.

Dr Close was in the midst of a whistle-stop trip across the region as State Cabinet was meeting at Naracoorte.

The two politicians heard from LGMC members as well as councillors and senior staff of Wattle Range Council.

LGMC chairman Lee Morgan said his group had a key message for the minister.

“There is a strong desire for community-led management and for retaining this magnificent natural resource in the Crown Lands system rather than extending national park,” Mr Morgan said.

“It includes diverse fishing, recreational, game, 4WD, camping and bird refuge activities.

“We asserted the LGMC be an advisory committee under section 10 of the Crown Lands Act.

“Discussion ensued about the positive role of SARDI and PIRSA in managing the fishing resource that is of interest to our 500-plus netting licensees.

“Augmenting flows into the Lake by diverting flows from the Reedy Creek-Mount Hope and the South East Water Conservation and Drainage Board drainage network to receive another 17 GL per annum (average) was also highlighted.”

Dr Close and her departmental officials are currently considering feedback on the various options to manage public access to the waters of Rivoli Bay and the South East coastal lakes.