Lake St Clair
A FISHING competition that brings around $10,000 a year in camping fees alone to Lake St Clair will consider taking their event elsewhere unless there is an improvement to the dam’s facilities and its operation.
The NSW Bassin Tournament got underway for 2010 last weekend and organisers were embarrassed for a number of reasons during the two day competition.
Around 63 teams, two people on average per team, attended the competition and tour organiser Mick Elsely said a number of people did not have a pleasant experience.
“It is very frustrating for us as we see the lake as an untapped jewel and think Singleton Council is losing a massive market,” he told The Singleton Argus.
Some of the organisers issues include the level of cleaning to the amenities building, kiosk opening and provision of waste disposal areas.
Choosing not to run their tournaments during peak times, the organisers struggle to understand why the attention at the dam is lacking.
“In the time we were there I didn’t see a hose or any type of disinfectant come in contact with the men’s toilets,” Mr Elsely said.
“I know it was a wet and muddy weekend, but there needs to be a better policy in place.
“We are just looking for it to be managed a bit better.”
Singleton Council manager parks and facilities Alan Fletcher told The Singleton Argus he is aware of the group’s concerns and that there had been some issues in the past in regards to gate access and pricing he understood had been resolved.
He explained that the caretaker does not have to open the second toilet facilities unless there is more than 15 people camping at once and unless there is a sufficient number of people to warrant it the caretaker does not have to ‘man’ the kiosk at all times.
Mr Fletcher did say that council has been in contact with the caretaker on a few issues recently.