Greens Lake to close for New Year’s Eve

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Greens Lake to close for New Year’s Eve
Tuesday 9 September, 2014 - Goulburn - Murray Water

Greens Lake at Corop will be closed for New Year's Eve at the request of the region's emergency services who have raised serious safety concerns.

 Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) Head of Customer Service Geoff Enever said the water corporation made the decision based on strong advice from the region's police and the Corop Fire Brigade.

"This is not a decision that has been made lightly, but the concerns raised with us by local emergency services and community members cannot be ignored," Mr Enever said.

"We feel the risk is so serious, closing Greens Lake over New Year's Eve is the best option.

"Police have told us last New Year's Eve a Kyabram teenager was injured in a glassing incident and the year before an unlicensed bar was detected selling alcohol to underage drinkers and another serious assault occurred.

"They fear a tragedy could occur and we feel we can't ignore this very real safety risk."

The lake will be closed for three nights from December 29 and will reopen at noon on January 1 to ensure people can enjoy it during the holiday period.



Stanhope Police Leading Senior Constable Bob Naismith said more than 400 people attended Greens Lake last New Year's Eve.

"I honestly believe there is a very real chance a tragedy will occur," Ldg Sen Const Naismith said.

 "I've often sat back and wondered how we have been lucky that up to this date a tragedy has not occurred... bearing in mind the mass of water at this location.

 "We're not doing this to be party poopers, we're doing this to save lives."

Corop Fire Brigade captain Darren Bloomfield said illegal fireworks were common during the New Year's Eve festivities.

"This is during the peak of summer and last year New Year's Day was a total fire ban day," Mr Bloomfield said.

"There is a huge risk of a serious fire starting because of these illegal fireworks.

"For the last five years we've stayed at home on New Year's Eve just waiting for the phone call."

He said the impact was felt further afield than just in Corop with neighboring brigade such at Stanhope, Colbinabbin and Corop West also on call.

His concerns were echoed by Corop Community Action Group President Clem Furphy who said the decision to close the lake during New Year's Eve was supported by the group.

"We see this as a way of ensuring no catastrophe occurs on New Year's Eve and that the camping area is properly managed so it remains open during the rest of the year for everyone to enjoy," Mr Furphy said.
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