The Mount Gambier City Council has completed the task of felling large burnt pine trees along the Crater Lakes rim following a fire that ravaged the area in January 2022.


City Infrastructure General Manager Barbara Cernovskis said the stairs and crater rim path to Centenary Tower are now open to the public following the work, enabling walkers and runners to complete a full loop of the Mountain Trail once again.


“We hope that our active community members will enjoy climbing the stairs and the beautiful scenic walk along the crater to Centenary Tower once again,” she said.


“It has been a long process to fell the first three tiers of trees as the Crater Lakes precinct is a State Heritage area which requires Development Application approval to undertake work of this type.


“Debris remains on the side of the trail, but the area has been cleared for use by the community.”


Ms Cernovskis said to ensure the safety of trail users, the back section of Carinya Gardens Cemetery remains closed to the public.


“The burnt pine trees at the back of the cemetery still pose an ongoing risk to public safety, so we ask that people heed the signage in place in the area and continue to stay away from the closed portion of the Bluegum Trail,” she said.


“Council has engaged landscape architects Oxigen to design a rehabilitation and rejuvenation plan for the area in consultation with the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, Pangula Mannamurna and the State Heritage Unit.


“The rehabilitation project will include a revegetation plan for native species in a phased program of works.


We will undertake community engagement about the plan and will involve neighbouring residents and key stakeholders in this as well.”