I am the lake and will no one help me?

The residents have tried but seems council will not listen. I am put in the too hard basket being left so long no one knows how to deal with me.

All the fish in my lake have died and the endangered stingrays that are still there are suffering in the heat with nowhere to go.

It's the drought I am told but the sea that used to flow in and out of me is still here please open it up help all that's in me.

Stop passing the buck onto someone else I am dying.

Council seems to forget how important I am to the tourists

I haven't always looked like this, I was once blue, children loved swimming in me, lots of laughter and a fun spot to be.

I bring lots of happiness to people who gather when I am open, birds and wildlife also return. I even bring customers to the shops nearby, all struggling like me. I am so upset council has wasted so much money on the new deck for the disabled to fish but no good without me being at my best how I used to be.

So many people love me, boats now sit idle, nothing like it used to be.

Help me now before it's too late. I am an asset to all.

Page 7 Port Macquarie visitors guide: states Lake Cathie with its beautiful lake lagoon and beaches a perfect spot to spend the day relaxing with friends and family - so wrong - look at me.

J Smith

Lake Cathie