A conditional lake opening has been supported to help mitigate resident concerns about the risks posed by low-lying flooding around the waterway at Lake Cathie.
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The plan is dependent on a significant rain event of 10mm or more, or approval by Crown Lands for a one-off short term licence to artificially open the waterway - whichever comes first. These conditions are based on the water level as of May 6 which sat at 1.573m.
The plan supports, but does not override, the conditions that will also remain in place in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Lake Opening Strategy. If the water height trigger point for a lake opening reaches 1.6m, council will consider, as it it has this week, if the risk factors are low, there are favourable tides and more forecast rain.
The recommendation in a mayoral minute, put forward by Cr Peta Pinson, was fully supported by all councillors.
"Lake Cathie has been the cause of some angst for our community," Cr Pinson said.
"That angst has grown into outrage and council's reputation for all the good things we do around the area has all come undone as a result of the focus on Lake Cathie.
"As an elected body our community looks to us for leadership.
"I want to see the reputational damage to council minimised, the goodwill restored to our community and that our community is satisfied with our efforts in relation to Lake Cathie."
Read more: Lake data is two years old
Director Melissa Watkins confirmed the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) required by Crown Lands for for a short term licence to open the lake has been submitted, but is not required for an emergency response if infrastructure is at threat or dangers are presented.
"It (the REF) has been lodged along with an application for a short-term licence to open the lake," Ms Watkins said.
Both documents were lodged with Crown Lands on May 6 and Ms Watkins said it is likely it will be a "matter of weeks" before a response is received. Crown Lands has flagged the submission a priority.
Ms Watkins said what this plan does is confirm Crowns Lands is happy to assist and allow council to step in for an opening as an emergency response if the environmental assessment is sound.
Cr Peter Alley supported the decision because it remained consistent with council's Lake Opening Strategy and said he would be "down there waving a flag" when an opening finally occurs.
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