Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley says she "has not lied" about a scheduled meeting with Housing Minister Melinda Pavey.
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Cr Findley said she had booked the meeting to discuss both Lake Conjola and affordable housing, despite the minister's office saying the scheduled meeting was not in regards to Lake Conjola.
"When you meet with Ministers you often cover a range of topics at the same time," Cr Findley said.
"This meeting was cancelled at the last minute by Minister [Gareth] Ward and rescheduled to another time which meant that Minister Pavey was no longer available.
"I am not sure why this cancellation occurred, it is extremely disappointing, especially after informing the community that I was to be meeting with the Minister as I had expected.
"I have not lied and I am not working against this process - despite being painted as such."
Cr Findley said the management of Lake Conjola "should go beyond political point scoring".
"There have been reports that I have been lying to the community about my commitment to advocating for the residents of Lake Conjola," she said.
"This is a complex and difficult issue which is operating within a very strict legislative space governed by Local and State Government.
"I do not have a 'captains call', or the ability to change the legislation.
"Council must have the approval of the State Government to open the Lake unless emergency levels are reached. Council is seeking that approval."
She called for a collaborative approach.
"Rather than the comments been thrown at me it would be more useful if we all worked together to seek a solution to the situation," she said.
"I want to be at the table and work with our local member and other councillors."
She said she had today spoken with the Minister for Planning Robert Stokes and MLC David Shoebridge to advocate for a solution to Lake Conjola, while at NSW Parliament.