Strong support has been expressed for the scheduled closure of the Millicent swimming lake to be pushed back a full month until February 29.
This staff recommendation will be considered when Wattle Range Council meets this afternoon (Tuesday).
The recommended revised date is due to the time-consuming preliminary work needed for a possible concrete re-build.
A February 29 closure would allow the Millicent High School to stage its annual swimming carnival there.
The possibility of extra swimming time was welcomed on Friday when the council meeting agenda was released to the public.
The SE Voice revealed the possible extension in an online post on Friday and it attracted dozens of positive comments.
The SE Voice also sent a reporter to the swimming lake on Friday to gauge the community response.
The lake was at its busiest all summer on Friday with hundreds in attendance as the mercury soared past 30 degrees.
Mother-of-two Jane Auld had arrived at 9am after making the 35km trip from her home at Kalangadoo.
“We come here whenever the weather is nice,” Ms Auld said.
“I came to the Millicent swimming lake a few times when I was young as I grew up at Robe.
“I would like the council to keep the lake open for as long as possible.
“I work as a physiotherapist and I recommend to my clients to swim in the lake and also use it for non-weight bearing exercises.”
Southend sporting and business identity Lyndon Smith and his family make full use of their seaside location but also appreciate the Millicent swimming lake.
“We can come here and have a birthday party with the kids,” he said.
As the newly-promoted regional manager for K&S Fuels, Mr Smith has few spare moments at the height of summer.
It comes as no surprise that Sean Sparkes backs the possible swimming lake extension as his family has operated the Lakeside deli and caravan park for the past five years.
Not only have they faced the restricted summer swimming season due to the leaking lake, there was a major drop in business for them at the height of the COVID pandemic.
Mr Sparkes said their accommodation facility had been booked out at the height of the festive season.
“They are out and about camping again after COVID,” Mr Sparkes said.
“They are also much better behaved. We are pleased the council kept the grounds around the swimming lake in good condition right through the winter.”
