A new group is set to be formed in Lake Cathie and members will assist in forming a lake strategy.

"Lake Cathie has many passionate residents, business owners, retirees, mums, dads and kids who have spoken up for the health of the lake and want to see some action," Lake Cathie resident, Sue East said. 

"We understand that Mother Nature hasn’t been kind to us in recent months, with very low rain fall.

"Now that the lake is exposed, it's possibly the right time for all these passionate people to get together and get something happening."

Sue has been coming to the Lake Cathie area since 1955 and said she is extremely disappointed with the way the lake's condition has been handled. She said she has never seen the lake in its current state before. 

Sue said Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is putting in place actions to increase development of a new toilet block and a skate park at the lake, when it should be prioritising the health of the lake instead. 

"It's an absolute travesty that council is developing around the lake, while the lake itself is in dire distress and dying," she said. 

"This is the priority for the lake and something needs to be done."

Sue said the lake can't just keep being dredged because it's a short term fix. She said it's time to implement a strategy which will keep the lake healthy for the long term. 

Vince Hale has lived at Lake Cathie since 1980 but has visited the area since the 70s. 

He is an avid fisher but said he won't fish at Lake Cathie anymore because it's too cruel. 

NSW DPI Fisheries staff attended the site on Wednesday, February 27 and observed up to 1000 dead fish along a section of Lake Cathie. The area was isolated from the main body of the lake. 

Lake Cathie Fishing Club spent the weekend in Hat Head for a competition. 

Sue said perhaps it's time for a group to help collate some information, to go towards an environmental impact study, for the lake situated west of the Ocean Drive bridge. 

For more information or to join the new group, people can contact the Lake Cathie Facebook Page @lakecathieHQ through messenger. 

Volunteer submissions will be collated and contact made for those willing to take on the task. 

Submissions for membership close on Friday, March 8. Meanwhile a spokesperson from NSW DPI said poor water quality at Lake Cathie is likely to continue, without significant rainfall.