Published on 06 June 2018
Significant rainfall in the catchment since last Thursday has prompted MidCoast Council to prepare for an opening of Smiths Lake this week as water reaches the two metre level.
Council is requesting that boat owners urgently remove vessels from the Lake to avoid stranding as lake levels drop.
"During the opening we will be restricting boat access to the lake and only authorised officers will have access to Sandbar Beach. We ask that people please obey access restrictions for public safety reasons" adds Gerard Tuckerman.
Unofficial rainfall readings of up to 150mm and 180mm last week, followed by the Lake levels reaching the two metre mark this week, has prompted the action.
Council has a policy to mechanically open the lake when it reaches between 1.8 metres and 2.1 metres above sea level. This action is outlined in the Coastal Zone Management Plan for Smiths Lake, the opening level takes into account environmental outcomes as well as to prevent minor flooding of property and roads. The Smiths Lake plan can be found on our website at: https://bit.ly/2sGlkiB
Careful consideration is being given to the exact timing of the opening this week. Tides, swell conditions and lake levels will influence the effectiveness of the opening. Council also takes into account predicted rainfall along with community considerations such as school and public holidays.