MOUNT Gambier’s iconic Centenary Tower will be closed to visitors for an indefinite period given the challenges posed by new social distancing requirements at the historic site.
Centenary Tower caretaker Ben Deering said in light of the coronavirus and how fast it spread, he felt it was not responsible to keep the landmark open.
It follows the closure of a number of the city’s tourism hot spots, including the visitor information centre, library, the Riddoch Art Gallery and Main Corner.
“It is a brilliant experience to see the history of the tower from inside,” Mr Deering said.
“It is also quite confined and a four-by-four metre rule would mean we could have one person in the building at a time which is not very practical.
“The bulk of our visitors are travelling from town to town on the road or have arrived from overseas.
“Essentially the most potent of spreaders.
“I run my travel agency from inside the tower, the other industry that has been decimated to the brink of collapse.”
Mr Deering believes the virus will bring out the best in creativity and innovation around the Limestone Coast due to necessity.
“Stand by for some remote tower projects,” he said.
“In the mean time, solo hikes around the lakes area, including Centenary Tower walks, are accessible when the weather permits.”
