One of Mount Isa’s best assets, Lake Moondarra will be the subject of an assessment to examine ways to enhance the use of the Lake for the local community, campers and tourists.
The regional development group, MITEZ are partnering with Mount Isa City Council, the Mount Isa Water Board and Commerce North West to undertake a project that will be looking at other dams in Queensland and seeing how their plans for recreation and camping facilities have been successfully implemented and managed.
MITEZ President, David Glasson said a project steering committee was formed to help develop the scope of the project however the consultants are very interested in talking to as many of the Lake users as possible whilst they are in Mount Isa.
Mr Rick Elliott from Pacific South West Strategy Group will be in Mount Isa until Saturday during which time there will be a community meeting to discuss ideas and attitudes from within the community.
MITEZ had been enabled to support the project through a remote area funding program designed to provide regional benefits and the Queensland Government were happy to approve the project as it has the potential to further encourage sustainable development at Lake Moondarra, enhance the ‘Outback Queensland experience’ for tourists as well as improve lifestyle for the Mount Isa Community said Mr Glasson.
The consultants will be speaking to groups such as the Mount Isa Fish Stocking about their current and future activities at the lake such as their Annual Fishing Competition; ski boat enthusiasts, canoeists, athletic and cultural groups as well as those interested in general recreation he said.
Part of the project is to see if there are possibilities to incorporate some form of commercial activity that would enhance the experience at Lake Moondarra and improve its recreational utilisation. This could provide a sustainable solution to enable Mount Isa to offer a nature-based experience for campers, grey nomads, visitors and locals.
Mr Glasson said the study will be used as a bankable document by stakeholders and potential investors to assist in future funding applications.
Mount Isa public are invited to a community meeting to be held at 9am, Saturday April 30 at the theatrette at Outback at Isa and further information can be obtained by contacting MITEZ.