First and most immediately important was the decision to open Lake Cathie to the ocean.

Based on NSW government agency advice it was decided to scrape the sand berm between the lagoon and ocean, rather than dig a deeper channel.

Based on the height at which footpaths are flooded with rising water in the lagoon, plus the lower levels at which acid sulphate soils are likely to be activated, six of the eight councillors decided to scrape down to 1.2m above sea level. The mayor voted against.

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The opening was done last Friday, and wow, natural forces sure took over, widening the 6m wide scraped area out to 100m or so and much deeper than had been excavated by council.

Manly Hydraulics, who monitor water levels, report dramatic height fluctuations with each subsequent ebb and flow of the tide - which will do wonders for flushing the lake water.

Some have criticised me for describing the opening as experimental.

But this sort of opening has never been done before so that was exactly what it was - a test based on best available evidence to see how the lake would react.

I am astounded how political this has become, with some people quite publicly antagonistic to the six councillors who took the decision, despite that it achieved exactly what people have been asking for.

One other matter concerned very necessary acid sulphate soil studies for the broader Lake Innes, adjoining Cathie Creek and Lake Cathie.

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The third was to go on exhibition for a scoping study for the whole local coastal area, to identify issues needing better management. If you are interested, please consider submitting your ideas.

Cr Intemann's opinions are not necessarily council's.

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