Mount Isa-based youth group Young People Ahead have started a petition to re-open the Lake Moondarra Youth Camp, formerly known as the Lions Youth Camp.
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YPA's general manager Alvin Hava created the petition saying Mount Isa families and visitors have enjoyed the camp and YPA had implored Council for many years to partner and to re-open the site closed in 2010.
"YPA has secured strong business and corporate support to re-open the site as well as in principle start-up funds to establish a variety of outdoor recreation, leisure and enterprises, creating both social and economic benefits," Mr Hava said.
"Plans to incorporate a number of training and employment opportunities in the areas of primary industries, aqua/agriculture, tourism, cultural heritage, land and conversation management, while showcasing to the world the Great Outback Experience through bush camps, treks, cultural walks, water activities and corporate events are just some of the concept ideas earmarked for the site."
The camp was closed in 2010 and Mount Isa Water Board handed it over to Mount Isa City Council in 2014 and Council said at the time it would approach community groups, including the PCYC and Young People Ahead before reopening the camp.
It was renamed the Mount Isa Youth Camp in early 2016 and reopened for business however it was quickly closed again after new mayor Joyce McCulloch said the camp needed extensive repairs and upgrades, including a filtration system to meet compliance.
A council tourism strategy released in 2019 earmarked the camp for development to create a glamping eco village aimed at boosting the tourism market and enhancing the region's appeal as a premier outback destination
Mr Hava said it was time to "unlock the gate".
"Help YPA and its partnership group advocate to the Mount Isa City Council to re-open the site and once again be a premier location for the benefit of youth and community so as to reignite long lasting memories for future generations to come," he said.
The petition can be found here.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
