Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has lodged a Crown Licence application to undertake emergency dredging works at Lake Cathie
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The erosion is so bad that temporary fencing has been put in place.
Council director Matt Rogers said council’s application is part of its planning to address the immediate erosion issues. The application will allow council to gain access to the lake to undertake the works.
“This will allow for emergency dredging works to take place, providing temporary erosion relief,” Mr Rogers said.
“Approval on this application is expected within the next week and commencement of dredging will be subject to funding approval.
“The lake can be a challenging environment to work in, and specialist contractors have been consulted on the most appropriate action to take.”
Lake Cathie Progress Association president Sue East said the impacts of the erosion were already felt within the village and would be reinforced at holiday time.
“It is not a pleasant look,” she said.
“I know council is working on what they need to do – and we certainly acknowledge that. There is a process that is required.
“The Progress Association believes that council will have this in hand pre-Christmas and will be doing their best to restore the lake to its family-friendly status.”
The Progress Association believes that council will have this in hand pre-Christmas and will be doing their best to restore the lake to its family-friendly status.
- Sue East
Ms East described the erosion as ‘a freak of nature’.
“Mother Nature has seen the channel opening move from the northern side to the centre of the lake and then to the southern side before quickly moving back again,” she said.
“King tides, high swells and rough seas have combined to cause this level of erosion.
“I’ve been holidaying in Lake Cathie since 1955, owned property here since the 1970s and, from an erosion point of view, this is the worst I have ever seen the lake.”
While accepting that council was working on a solution, Ms East also acknowledged that residents just want the issue resolved.
“But you can’t just snap your fingers and fix this issue,” she added.
Council continues to call for community input into a Lake Cathie Foreshore Master Plan and nominations for its community think tank.
“If you haven’t had the chance to tell us what you think you can still visit Council’s website pmhc.nsw.gov.au/lake-cathie until Thursday 21 September to have your say,” Mr Rogers said.
For more information on the development of the Lake Cathie Foreshore Master Plan or to nominate for the ‘Community Think Tank Team’ visit pmhc.nsw.gov.au/lake-cathie or call Council on 6581 8111.
