Millicent Swimming Lake Reconstruction

Share Millicent Swimming Lake Reconstruction on Facebook Share Millicent Swimming Lake Reconstruction on Twitter Share Millicent Swimming Lake Reconstruction on Linkedin Email Millicent Swimming Lake Reconstruction link
two people sitting on a bench looking over a man made lake with swimmers

After the 2022/23 summer it was discovered that excessive amounts of water had been used to maintain the levels of Millicent Swimming Lake and on investigation it was determined that the 50-year-old lake floor had been compromised in multiple locations.

The condition of the lake floor could not be fully assessed until the lake was drained and dry after winter.

Aquatic engineering advice has recommended that the best long-term solution would be to remove the existing bitumen seal, reshape the limestone base and concrete the entire floor. This work can only be done during dry weather.

Upgrades to the filtration system and improved disability access are also being designed to enable all to enjoy the renewed facility and this infrastructure upgrade will transform this important asset, extending its life for many decades to come.

Key points:

  • The Millicent Swimming Lake is over 50 years old.
  • The Naracoorte Swimming Lake is similar in design and age and went through the exact same process several years ago.
  • The deteriorated lake floor is currently made up of a bitumen seal over a limestone base - just like a sealed road.
  • Just like a road, this bitumen seal needs to be periodically reapplied.
  • Just like filling potholes, we have been undertaking routine maintenance on the lake every year.
  • After 50 years, the limestone base has failed and needs to be fully reconstructed.
  • A concrete liner is a superior long-term solution to bitumen, as it will prolong its life and reduce future maintenance costs and disruptions.
  • We also want to make use of this 1 in 50-year opportunity and replace the underground filtration pipes to improve water quality.
  • This work can only be done when the lake is completely dry.

After the 2022/23 summer it was discovered that excessive amounts of water had been used to maintain the levels of Millicent Swimming Lake and on investigation it was determined that the 50-year-old lake floor had been compromised in multiple locations.

The condition of the lake floor could not be fully assessed until the lake was drained and dry after winter.

Aquatic engineering advice has recommended that the best long-term solution would be to remove the existing bitumen seal, reshape the limestone base and concrete the entire floor. This work can only be done during dry weather.

Upgrades to the filtration system and improved disability access are also being designed to enable all to enjoy the renewed facility and this infrastructure upgrade will transform this important asset, extending its life for many decades to come.

Key points:

  • The Millicent Swimming Lake is over 50 years old.
  • The Naracoorte Swimming Lake is similar in design and age and went through the exact same process several years ago.
  • The deteriorated lake floor is currently made up of a bitumen seal over a limestone base - just like a sealed road.
  • Just like a road, this bitumen seal needs to be periodically reapplied.
  • Just like filling potholes, we have been undertaking routine maintenance on the lake every year.
  • After 50 years, the limestone base has failed and needs to be fully reconstructed.
  • A concrete liner is a superior long-term solution to bitumen, as it will prolong its life and reduce future maintenance costs and disruptions.
  • We also want to make use of this 1 in 50-year opportunity and replace the underground filtration pipes to improve water quality.
  • This work can only be done when the lake is completely dry.

Questions & Answers

Still have a question about the Millicent Swimming Lake?

Type it in the box below and we'll get back to you about it. Some questions and answers may be posted on the site for others to see!



You need to be signed in to add your question.

  • Share Quick question , will a cement floor get slimy over time ? on Facebook Share Quick question , will a cement floor get slimy over time ? on Twitter Share Quick question , will a cement floor get slimy over time ? on Linkedin Email Quick question , will a cement floor get slimy over time ? link

    Quick question , will a cement floor get slimy over time ?

    Liz asked over 1 year ago

    Council has appointed an Aquatic Engineering Consultant to assess the current facility and prepare a design and technical report for the reconstruction project. One of the critical outcomes of this process is to ensure a safe facility is provided, which will include appropriate surface treatments.

  • Share Having the swimming lake closed will really impact my kids, who hang out there all summer with their friends. This will impact their social participation and also their fitness and general wellbeing. How is Council going to compensate us? I can't afford to drive into Mount Gambier and pay to take them to Wulanda. on Facebook Share Having the swimming lake closed will really impact my kids, who hang out there all summer with their friends. This will impact their social participation and also their fitness and general wellbeing. How is Council going to compensate us? I can't afford to drive into Mount Gambier and pay to take them to Wulanda. on Twitter Share Having the swimming lake closed will really impact my kids, who hang out there all summer with their friends. This will impact their social participation and also their fitness and general wellbeing. How is Council going to compensate us? I can't afford to drive into Mount Gambier and pay to take them to Wulanda. on Linkedin Email Having the swimming lake closed will really impact my kids, who hang out there all summer with their friends. This will impact their social participation and also their fitness and general wellbeing. How is Council going to compensate us? I can't afford to drive into Mount Gambier and pay to take them to Wulanda. link

    Having the swimming lake closed will really impact my kids, who hang out there all summer with their friends. This will impact their social participation and also their fitness and general wellbeing. How is Council going to compensate us? I can't afford to drive into Mount Gambier and pay to take them to Wulanda.

    Frances Cooper asked over 1 year ago

    We understand that closing the lake for any period over summer will impact many people, especially families with children. We will be making every effort minimise this impact.

    We encourage families to explore the myriad of other facilities and natural resources that exist in this wonderful region, including the free swimming pools in Penola and Nangwarry and the amazing swimming beaches in Southend and Beachport. 

    Council also facilitates the ‘Full Throttle in Wattle’ school holiday program every summer and we hope to incorporate some water activities in Millicent if the Lake is closed in January.

  • Share I note this information says "Any opportunity to open the lake for a shortened period will be considered by the Council". When are we likely to know if this is a possibility? on Facebook Share I note this information says "Any opportunity to open the lake for a shortened period will be considered by the Council". When are we likely to know if this is a possibility? on Twitter Share I note this information says "Any opportunity to open the lake for a shortened period will be considered by the Council". When are we likely to know if this is a possibility? on Linkedin Email I note this information says "Any opportunity to open the lake for a shortened period will be considered by the Council". When are we likely to know if this is a possibility? link

    I note this information says "Any opportunity to open the lake for a shortened period will be considered by the Council". When are we likely to know if this is a possibility?

    Frances Cooper asked over 1 year ago

    Specialist aquatic engineers have been engaged and are about to undertake a detailed investigation and provide technical advice.  We hope to receive this advice in time for the November Council meeting, where a decision on whether the lake can open for a shortened period can be made.

Page last updated: 27 Aug 2024, 02:47 PM