Hi all I got this email today confirming closure of greens
September 9, 2014
Greens Lake to close New Years Eve
Greens Lake at Corop will be closed for New Years Eve at the request of the regions
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 regions 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 Years Eve is the best option.
Police have told us last New Years 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 cant 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 Years 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.
Were not doing this to be party poopers, were doing this to save lives.Corop Fire Brigade captain Darren Bloomfield said illegal fireworks were common during the
New Years Eve festivities.
This is during the peak of summer and last year New Years 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 weve stayed at home on New Years 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 Years Eve was supported by the group.
We see this as a way of ensuring no catastrophe occurs on New Years 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.
- ENDS
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Unit: Marketing and Communications
Telephone: (03) 5826 3521