Concerns Mount Over Lack of Toilets at Popular Swimming Site
Residents and visitors to South Australia's south east are expressing growing concern over the lack of toilet facilities at the Little Blue Lake sinkhole, a popular swimming spot. This comes seven months after human waste was discovered near the site following a busy Easter long weekend.
The District Council of Grant, responsible for the sinkhole, decided in September to advocate to the state's Department for Environment and Water (DEW) for the "urgent establishment of toilet facilities." However, no progress has been made, leaving the pristine water at risk of contamination.
Local tourism operator Graham Kilsby, who initially raised the issue, emphasizes the urgent need for a toilet at the lake. He worries about the potential impact of human waste on the water quality and suggests a temporary toilet block might be necessary over summer. If the situation doesn't improve, closure of the swimming spot could become a possibility.
Nearby resident Andrea Boswerger, a regular swimmer at the lake, recounts an unpleasant experience of finding human waste. She believes the council and DEW should share the responsibility for installing toilets.
English tourist Jodie Sims highlights the importance of better facilities for attracting tourists and encouraging them to spend more time at the site.
While the sinkhole is under the council's care, the car park is unalienated Crown land. Mayor Kylie Boston acknowledges the council's contact with DEW regarding the installation of facilities but mentions the lack of response. She also emphasizes the need to prioritize the project during budget deliberations while considering other competing needs.
Despite media reports, the council claims not to have received any direct reports from the community about the issue. However, regular water testing is being conducted, and there are no plans to close the lake at this stage.
The DEW spokesperson states that the department is collaborating with the council to determine the best way to manage the car park. However, the lack of concrete action leaves the issue unresolved, raising concerns about the future of this popular swimming spot.