Byron Moody has been holidaying at Lake Cathie for 27 years and is calling for action to return the water body to its pristine state.
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Mr Moody is wheelchair-bound and said his favourite activities at the lake include fishing and swimming.
In December 2019, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council installed signage to alert the community that swimming in Lake Cathie is not advisable.
"Low water levels are making the lake undesirable to aquatic life, resulting in an odour generated by dead and dying fish, and floating debris," the statement read.
It's bad news for Mr Moody who was hoping to make the most of the fishing platform, which opened at Lake Cathie in January, 2018.
The project formed part of council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan, to deliver on the vision of creating an accessible community for all.
Mr Moody has fond memories of fishing at the lake. He said he would reel in the biggest hauls when the lake was opened to the ocean.
Mr Moody once snagged a 42cm whiting, which he said was probably his biggest whopper at the location.
Paul Errington is the owner of Seascape Apartments and said the lake's condition is impacting small businesses.
Seaside Apartments, Mr Errington said is usually booked out at this time of year. He said the lake's condition means no one wants to come and stay.
The Port News spoke to small businesses on January 14, and they called for people to support them.
Owners and managers said they've been impacted by the recent bushfires and deterioration of the lake's condition.
For more information on the management of Lake Cathie, please visit https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environment/Waterways-and-coastlines/Lake-Cathie