A Port Macquarie-Hastings Council spokesperson said dredging works at the lake are complete and it is expected to be artificially opened to the ocean in late July.

About  21,000 cubic metres of sand has been dredged and relocated to the edge of the Foreshore Reserve to reclaim open space that had been lost to erosion. 

Sand was also relocated to replenish approximately 400 metres of the beach in front of Illaroo Road.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council director Melissa Watkins said the lake will remain closed for several more weeks to allow time for the sand to settle.

“Once sufficient settling and establishment has occurred, council will reopen the Lake, with current planning for this to occur late July.

“It is important that the community do not take the lake opening into their own hands, we will let the community know once we have a definite opening date.”

It comes as Port Macquarie recorded its wettest July day in six years, after 11mm of rain fell in the 24 hours to 9am on Monday, July 2. 

According to data collected by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, on Tuesday, July 3 the water level at Lake Cathie was 1.656 metres, up from 1.594 metres on June 26. 

Caramels@Cathie owner Simon Collins said he is happy dredging is complete and ‘can’t wait’ for the lake to be opened. 

He said it doesn’t matter the lake won’t be opened in time for the holiday period, as the winter period is usually quiet for visitors.

Mr Collins said he hopes the lake will remain open for a Christmas holiday period or two. 

He would like council to investigate a long term solution to the ongoing issues of opening the lake and dredging. 

Wendy Dunn from Lakeside Fashions said it’s great to see the beach back at the Foreshore Reserve. 

“Hopefully it will stay that way,” she said. 

Ms Watkins said dredging was completed as per schedule, and all equipment and machinery had now been removed.

“The relocation of that much sand was a huge task, and it has been so important to protect the uniqueness and beauty of such a significant and sensitive environmental area,” she said. 

“The lake is such an iconic community space with major community, social and economic benefits, and protecting it for future generations is always our highest priority.

“While dredging has now been completed, some finishing works are still occurring, and as such we’re asking the community to continue to exercise caution and be aware of areas that may be fenced off.”

Ms Watkins said during the dredging the lake level was close to the opening trigger, however it remained closed so that dredging could be successfully completed.

In late 2017, council applied to the NSW Government for approval to dredge Lake Cathie, east of Ocean Drive. In January 2018 funding of $175,000 was secured to complete the dredging.

Council then completed a detailed environmental review to ensure minimal harm to the environment. Funding of $175,000 will also be contributed by council to undertake the $350,000 program of work.

Ms Watkins said council appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as the dredging took place.

“While it remains an unpredictable natural environment we will soon be able to experience a safe, healthy lake that can be enjoyed by all,” she said.