Shoalhaven City Council will begin an immediate review of the recent planned opening of Lake Conjola.
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On Friday, January 4, council’s acting general manager Stephen Dunshea, Councillor Patricia White, Cr Mitchell Pakes, council staff met with representatives of the Conjola Community Association to discuss the planned opening of the lake and concerns related to minor flooding around the foreshore, which has affected council infrastructure, private properties and reserves.
“We have agreed to undertake an immediate review of the recent planned opening to confirm if it was carried out in accordance with the Interim Entrance Management planned opening requirements. This will take a couple of days with the results to be provided to the community,” Mr Dunshea said.
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“Council will also consider options available for the Lake under the existing policy and continue to liaise with State Government Agencies to determine whether prevailing Lake conditions satisfy the necessary criteria for further works to occur should these be required. Especially given the expected rain in coming days.”
The meeting also reviewed prevailing lake conditions and possible next step actions available to both council and the community under the current Interim Entrance Management Policy.
Deputy mayor Cr White was pleased residents could express their concerns and said it was a good opportunity for council staff to see issues at the lake’s entrance, Holiday Haven Tourist Park, local boat ramps and jetties.
“It was also an opportunity for people on the beach and within the reserves to speak with staff about their concerns, which council was able to listen to and take on board,” Cr White said.
“Council fully understands the residents and tourists concerns about the Lake and has been actively working with the community to seek solutions and outcomes for the community and for Lake Conjola.”
Conjola Coummunity Association representative Dirk Treloar welcomed a review of the Interim Entrance Management Policy.
“Longer term outcomes from the meeting are that Council and Conjola Community Association representatives agreed to jointly review the current Interim Entrance Management Policy this year (2019) for the purpose of preparing and implementing a replacement Coastal Management Plan for Lake Conjola in 2020,” Mr Treloar said.
“This is something that residents have sought for a number of years and it is pleasing that this process is moving forward.”
A report will now be prepared for the next council meeting to support a complete review of the Entrance Management Plan.