North Haven resident Jake Craven put a call out on social media for residents to come together and artificially open the lake on the weekend. 

Jake said he is sick of looking at Lake Cathie and ‘the way it's going to c**p’. 

The post on social media attracted widespread public attention and people were keen to have their say about the plan. 

One woman said ‘what an awesome idea, power of the people’. 

Another man said ‘I vaguely remember punters digging it out when I was a kid’. 

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council director Melissa Watkins said any artificial opening of the lake without appropriate approvals is an offence. 

“Council strongly advises that the community do not attempt to open Lake Cathie for safety and environmental reasons,” she said. 

Ms Watkins said current conditions do not support an artificial opening of the lake at this time, as per the Lake Cathie Opening Strategy. 

“The lake remains safe for recreational use and council will continue to monitor water quality and lake conditions to ensure the safety of the public, and to prevent adverse effects on the ecology of the area,” she said. 

Jake said he’s disappointed with council’s decision. 

“I would just love for everyone to know that it’s time to do something for a permanent result,” he said.