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“The current poor state of the Lake clearly meets the criteria for an artificial opening and is in alignment with the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Lake Opening Strategy that was developed in consultation with the local Progress Association, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), NSW Fisheries, Crown Lands and the local community,” Mrs Williams said.
“The current Lake height is now well below 0.2 AHD and has been for some time resulting in adverse effects on the ecology of the area thereby threatening critical habitat. In addition, the low water levels is not conducive for recreational purposes which will also have additional economic and social impacts during the upcoming summer months.”
“In addition, the salinity of the waterway far exceeds the entrance opening requirement of 40ppt as it is currently 60-80ppt” Mrs Williams said. .
“I echo the sentiment of the entire community of Lake Cathie who are very concerned about the current state of the lagoon which has been severely impacted as a result of the ongoing drought, minimal rainfall and no water flow. These conditions continue to have devastating consequences including ongoing and significant fish kills, unprecedented build-up of silt and sand in the lagoon resulting in dramatic impacts on marine life and other fauna.
“The NSW Government does have a role to play with Crown Lands required to issue a Short Term Licence (STL) to consent to an artificial opening of the Lake. However, this must be preceded by an approval of Council and the preparation and lodgement of a STL.
“Councillors do have an opportunity tonight to approve such an opening and on behalf of the Lake Cathie community I urge them to do just that.”
“I acknowledge the work of the stakeholder meetings that have been held over the past months and the agreement to proceed with long term strategies but in the meantime
the lagoon can and must be opened to the sea to allow an influx of water and a reprieve from the dire condition of the Lake we are witnessing.” Mrs Williams said.
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