Mount Gambier’s Marist Park oval (for organised sports only), the Leg of Mutton Lake, Davison Drive up to Marks lookout and the saddle area reopened on Friday, following the Crater Lakes fire.
The areas’ custodian Mount Gambier City Council said the areas were unaffected by the fire that burned 50 hectares of grass and scrub in the lakes precinct late last month and are now deemed safe for public use following damage and risk assessment.
The fire was contained by emergency services on January 26 and the Crater Lakes precinct was returned to the care and control of the next day.
Council chief executive Sarah Philpott said council was currently undertaking damage and risk assessments in the area with the assistance of the Metropolitan Fire Service.
“Council is mindful that people want to get back into enjoying the public spaces that were not affected by the fire, so we are pleased to open up Marist Park oval (for organised sports only), the saddle area including the GESA Route, Rock Track, Dutta Mutton, Washed Away, Saddle Backward and Nurses Curse walking/bike trails, the Leg of Mutton Lake and Marks Lookout for use once again from today,” Ms Philpott said.
“Of course, we’re asking people to be sensible about this and to ensure they do not venture into the interconnected areas of the Crater Lakes at this point.
“Please heed the safety warnings, signage and bunting and stay away from closed walking/bike trails that were affected by the fire.
“The Valley Lakes, Centenary Tower, the back section of Carinya Gardens Cemetery, Potters Point, and all associated Crater Lakes walking/bike trails remain closed as the assessment process continues.
“It is important to remember the fire is still smouldering and hot spots, smouldering ground vegetation, burning trees and falling trees in the closed areas still pose a significant risk to public safety.”
Ms Philpott said council continues to work with SAPOL and emergency services to ensure the safety of the site and the community with an increased presence in the area over the coming days.
“We are expecting increasing winds and hot weather again in the next week or so, so we will be keeping an eye on the area to ensure we deal with any flare ups,” she said.
“Council will continue to gradually release safe zones in the Crater Lakes area for public use as soon as we can.”
The reopening comes as council warned that some members of the public were not heeding the safety warnings and signage to stay away from the Crater Lakes precinct.
“Council has erected bunting in the area and it has already been cut by people continuing to access the site,” Ms Philpott said.
“Our signs warning people to keep out have also been damaged.
“People were seen walking along the fire affected area at the back of the Carinya Gardens Cemetery and a tree fell in front of them.
“This behaviour is very dangerous and we stress that sections of the Crater Lakes area are not safe and people need to keep away from the site until we can assess the damage and risk.”
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin reiterated the need for people to keep away from the area at this point in time.
“We understand that people are keen to resume their walks in the beautiful Crater Lakes precinct but it’s just not worth the risk to your personal safety,” Mayor Martin said.
“We were fortunate to escape this fire with no loss of life or property and we do not want anyone to be injured by burning and falling trees and tree limbs.
“This is a real risk, so please stay away from the area.”
A special council meeting will be held today at 5.30pm to discuss the Crater Lakes fire and associated procurement, road closures, budget and delegation requirements as part of the assessment and recovery process.
