New state government scraps Liberals’ pre-election Crystal Lake tourism pledge

The Liberal Party wanted to use an old quarry to create an extravagant tourism destination – but the new government has shut it down.

Plans for a 350ha adventure tourism park pledged as a pre-election promise by the former Liberal government have been scrapped.

The Crystal Lake Recreation Park was slated as a tourism destination where visitors would enjoy cycling, swimming, diving, kayaking and running, but the new Labor government has shut the project down, labelling it “overhyped” and “unfunded”.

Crystal Lake Recreation Park was slated as a tourism destination by the former state government. Picture: Supplied.

Deputy Premier and environment minister Susan Close announced on Thursday the state government had terminated the deal with the owner of the quarry at Highbury to purchase the land.

“While I value the benefit of creating open spaces, the Crystal Lake election commitment was a reckless and rushed policy idea that would have cost taxpayers millions of dollars,” Dr Close said.

“It was one of a number of rushed and thoughtless commitments made by the former

government in its final days.”

Dr Close said the state government would prioritise issues within the health sector rather than “flights of fancy” such as the Crystal Lake project.

Concept images showed the park would include walking trails, a beach, picnic shelters, a jetty, viewing platforms and a lookout.

Crystal Lake Recreation Park was slated as a tourism destination by the former state government. Picture: Supplied.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity to create an eco-tourism water oasis within a stone’s throw of the CBD in our northeastern suburbs,” Mr Marshall said at the time.

Costing for the project was not due to be finalised under after the state election on March 19.

The park was expected to be opened within two years of the announcement.