Water flowing into Lake Eyre is providing a windfall for the region’s businesses as well as the abundant wildlife drawn to the normally dry lake in northern South Australia.
South Australian Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith says the inflow is helping to boost local businesses, particularly those in the tourism sector.
"Major inflows to Lake Eyre are a rare event," Dr Lomax-Smith said.
"In fact, the lake has only filled three times in the past 160 years.
"It’s not surprising that the current flows are attracting a rush of visitors to the region and this is great news for businesses all the way from Adelaide to the lake."
Dr Lomax-Smith says tours to Lake Eyre are heavily booked with one operator proposing up to 70 tours from Adelaide.
"Scenic flight operators also report huge interest from visitors, saying they have flown thousands of passengers over Lake Eyre in everything from small single-engine three-seater planes to 50-seat commercial airliners," she said.
"While tourism operators are often the first to gain from increasing numbers of visitors, other businesses in the community also benefit.
"For example more people in the region mean increased demand for everything from food to fuel, which in turn means more work for people providing support services within the region.
"Although communities near Lake Eyre have enjoyed a real boost to local business, many towns along the way are also sharing in the windfall as travellers stop for food, fuel or accommodation on their way north."
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