CAIRNS water lovers have a massive new playground with the city’s primary water supply reservoir set to open for ­recreational use.

Cairns Regional Council’s Community Services Committee yesterday voted to support proposed changes to local laws that will allow recreational and commercial activities at Lake Morris, also known as Copperlode Dam, southwest of Cairns.

The proposal included allowing water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, commercial ventures and camping.

Following the completion of the Lake Morris Recreation Management Plan in December the council started an expressions of interest process during which three proponents submitted business concepts.

media_camera REINVENTION: Lake Morris, also known as Copperlode Dam, could be opened up to water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, commercial ventures and camping. PIC: TOM LEE

Adventure Equipment owner Mark Shergold said opening Lake Morris was “absolutely a good thing” for the region’s tourism industry.

“There has been talk over the years and I had heard whispers the council was looking at it,” he said.

“It would be a beautiful spot to go for a paddle.”

The council proposal also opened the door for requests by cycling groups to temporarily close Lake Morris Rd for cycling events.

The road is a winding path that is popular with cyclists and pedestrians as a training circuit.

Mayor Bob Manning said the council would now seek formal applications for commercial recreation permits.

“This is a key step in opening up the lake for recreational use,” he said.

“Now that we know what uses have been proposed, we are able to determine what is suitable and make the appropriate changes to the Local Law to allow it to happen.”