Lake Kepwari: Collie’s Mine Closure Success Story and a Shining Example of Rehabilitation Done Right
Lake Kepwari, located just outside Collie, Western Australia, is one of the most inspiring mine closure success stories in the country. Once a deep, acidic and unused open cut coal mine pit, this site has been transformed into a vibrant freshwater lake showcasing what is possible when science, rehabilitation planning, Traditional Owner input and community vision come together.
Today, Lake Kepwari is not only a major asset for Collie tourism but also an internationally recognized case study highlighted in IMWA2021_McCullough_346.pdf, where it stands as the first successfully rehabilitated and relinquished pit lake in Western Australia.
From Pit to Playground: The Story of Lake Kepwari
The area now known as Lake Kepwari was once the WO5B mine pit, part of the heart of the Collie Coal Basin. After mining ended in 1997, the pit was reshaped, backfilled, stabilised, and revegetated with native species to prepare for its new life. Over 2 million cubic metres of material was moved to form beaches, gentle slopes, and island zones—a monumental effort that laid the foundation for the transformation.
The lake began filling between 2002 and 2008, with inflows from the Collie River South Branch, but the initial water quality was poor. Acidic conditions (pH < 4) and low nutrients meant the lake remained visually striking but ecologically limited.
It wasn’t until a major natural breach event in 2011 that things changed for the better. The Collie River overflowed into the lake, flushing 2 GL of river water through the system and triggering a remarkable improvement in water quality. This breakthrough eventually formed the basis for the seasonal flow‑through design, a world‑leading rehabilitation strategy documented in the IMWA 2021 research.
A Model of World‑Class Mine Rehabilitation
The Lake Kepwari Flow‑Through Project is now seen as one of the most important mine closure success stories in the Collie region. Its rehabilitation success is built on:
Seasonal river flow-through to improve water quality
Passive neutralisation of acidity through natural processes
Native vegetation restoration across the catchment
Long-term monitoring of pH, salinity, and aquatic ecosystem health
Collaboration between Premier Coal, Yancoal, regulators, and local stakeholders
The IMWA2021 paper confirms that Lake Kepwari now sits at circum neutral pH, with salinity dropping from brackish to fresh an extraordinary turnaround. This positions the lake as a benchmark for mine closure planning across Australia and internationally.
A Boost for Collie Tourism and Local Jobs
Lake Kepwari’s transformation aligns perfectly with Collie’s shift from a coal-focused economy to a diversified regional hub. The lake’s name, Kepwari, means “playing in water” in the Indigenous Wilman language and that spirit is now reflected in the site’s recreational design.
Government investment of $5.7 million has created a premium tourism asset, including:
A large swim beach
Dual-lane boat ramp and jetty
Camping facilities
Picnic shelters and fire pits
Upgraded access roads and signage
Parking for boats, cars, and trailers
Today, locals and visitors enjoy wakeboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, diving, swimming, and camping, making the lake a genuine powerhouse for Collie’s recreation and tourism economy.
Why Lake Kepwari Matters
Lake Kepwari isn't just a local favourite it’s a blueprint for future mine closure projects across Western Australia and beyond. It demonstrates that:
Former mine sites can become safe, thriving natural assets
Passive and engineered rehabilitation can work together
Community involvement shapes meaningful outcomes
Environmental restoration supports economic growth
Collie can lead the way in post-mining transformation
This success story strengthens Collie’s identity as a town that proudly honours its past while embracing a dynamic future.
