A shorebird recovery program volunteer fears backlash after a Shoalhaven City Council media release claimed nesting sites were too close to a potential opening channel at Lake Conjola.
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Conjola resident Col Ashford fears for his and his fellow volunteer's safety after a council media release stated the shorebirds' nesting area within the buffer required for protection for the proposed lake entrance opening works.
For the second summer Mr Ashford expects to cop a lot of flak from visitors and locals.
"I can't begin to tell you how upset I am over blaming the birds again," Mr Ashford said.
"It [has] stimulated repeated vandalism and threats to volunteers.
"No dog signs are still being pulled out or snapped off daily. We can't always find the pointed end and I would hate anyone to step on one of these booby traps."
Councillors adopted a resolution on December 10 to work on opening Lake Conjola. Crews and machinery were at Cunjurong Point on Monday, December 16 to begin planned works.
Mr Ashford said volunteers had been trying to deter the little terns from nesting on the spit by them along before they begun nesting and moving seaweed.
A media statement released on Tuesday stated council had to meet with state government agencies to agree an opening could happen.
"The outcome of the onsite meeting confirmed that the shorebird nesting area was within close proximity to the proposed works area and within the buffer required for protection," a council spokesperson said in a statement.
"We all acknowledge the importance of protecting all threatened species and it is vital therefore, that any proposed works to improve the amenity of Lake Conjola, would not impact on the habitat of the shorebirds.
"Therefore, it has been concluded that the location of the opening would need to be amended or any opening deferred until the birds have moved on."
Mr Ashford said the agreed opening point was still the best and only option.
"Therefore there is no reason that the excavation was not commenced."
No opening will be undertaken before Christmas and there may be a possible opening in the New Year.
'Bruce' an affectionate name given by locals to a Greynurse shark that was trapped in the lake since it closed in July was released to Ulladulla Harbour.
DPI Program Leader Shark Strategy and Threatened Species, Marcel Green led the operation and said non-lethal SMART drumlines were deployed late Tuesday night to catch the shark.
"The shark was quickly caught and transported by road to Ulladulla in a custom-built shark transfer crate supplied and managed by SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
"The shark was then carried out in a trawler from Ulladulla Harbour and safely released offshore."