City of Mount Gambier has reopened Marist Park oval (for organised sports only), the Leg of Mutton Lake, Davison Drive up to Marks lookout and the saddle area today Friday 4 February 2022. These areas were unaffected by the fire that burned 50 hectares of grass and scrub in the Crater Lakes precinct last week and are now deemed safe for public use following damage and risk assessment.
The fire was contained by emergency services on Wednesday 26 January 2022 and the Crater Lakes precinct was returned to the care and control of Council on Thursday 27 January 2022. With the assistance of the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Council is currently undertaking damage and risk assessments in the area.
“Council is mindful that people want to get back into enjoying the public spaces that weren’t 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," City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah 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.”
“It is important to remember that 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.”
“Council will continue to gradually release safe zones in the Crater Lakes area for public use as soon as we can.”
A special Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 February 2022 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.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean on 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
