Former Collie coal mine Lake Kepwari’s upgrade to water sports hot spot earns environmental award nomination

A Collie project that saw the transformation of an open-cut coal mine to a water sports landmark has been shortlisted for a prestigious environmental excellence award.

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s 2021 Resources Sector Awards for Excellence recognise innovation, outstanding performance and leadership in environmental and sustainable initiatives across WA.

Celebrating responsible development of the State’s resources, the awards aim to encourage higher industry standards.

Premier Coal has been shortlisted for the Golden Gecko Award for turning Collie’s Lake Kepwari into a tourist hotspot.

In the works for the better part of a decade, the project saw the old mine site revamped into a recreation hub for waterskiing, wakeboarding, boating and swimming with the addition of a boat ramp, toilet facilities, ski and swim beaches and a campground.

The new facilities opened in December and have been a big hit among locals and visitors.

The project is up against Iluka Resources’ Flora Restorer rehabilitation work, and Gold Fields Australia and EDL Energy’s Agnew Renewable Energy Project.

Award winners will be announced at a ceremony next month.