In June 1975 the Millicent District Council (now the Wattle Range Council) purchased a grazing property from the McIntyre family for the purpose of establishing the Millicent saleyards. This included a large area of rising sandstone suitable for quarrying and use in the development of the saleyards complex, and subsequently in the reconstruction of streets and roads in the Millicent township and surrounding rural areas.

It was through the foresight of Mr. Trevor Osborne, a council employee, that in the rehabilitation of the worked out quarry, the area known as Lake McIntyre was created.

The lake obtains its water from the naturally occurring water table which is subject to annual rise and fall. It incorporates islands, deep channels, shallow areas and vegetated surrounds, all within the confines of a working quarry environment.

In 1991, under the leadership of Councilor Ian Dunnicliff, the Lake McIntyre Development Committee was formed with the objective to progressively rehabilitate the quarry and turn it into an aquatic environment to attract birdlife, an educational tool to promote conservation, an attractive area for the use of the public and as a tourist attraction.

Recognition of the Millicent Rotary Club is recorded for their untiring efforts in the early days of construction and planting, and in their continued efforts and support today.

The present day Lake McIntyre Management Board was formed in 1997 and charged with the responsibility of the care, protection, management, operation and improvement of the Lake McIntyre Reserve. The board relies on its members, local service clubs and volunteers from the wider community to meet its responsibilities and achieve its goals.