Lake skiing gets nod amid concerns

Lake Mullocullup, the site east of Albany embroiled in a divisive debate between farmers and indigenous heritage activists, was officially gazetted for powerboat use last week.

The lake had been gazetted on March 22, but that was given a temporary stay as the State Government is believed to have ensured its compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

While Greens MP Diane Evers had hoped requirements to include installing safety signs would further stall the decision, the lake was re-gazetted last Friday.

Farmers who claimed to have used the lake for decades said it was a vital recreation point for isolated families, while indigenous heritage activists argued increased visitation could harm wildlife at a sacred site.

Department of Transport navigational safety and moorings manager Mark Briant said the department had conducted tests at the lake to determine if motorised boats would damage it and confirmed the site was suitable for water skiing.

“Safety was a key consideration in progressing the gazettal and it was also confirmed that water skiing is allowed on a registered site under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972,” he said.

The DoT has requested the City of Albany inspect the boat launch area and review if it should provide bins at the lake.

City reserves manager Jacqui Freeman said the City would monitor use to determine if bins were necessary, but said “current use of the lake is minimal and users are respecting their responsibility to look after the area”.

Boats will be allowed on the water from 9am-5pm every day.

Water skiers must stay 30m from the shore and away from shallow water at all times.