Council is currently undertaking dry notch maintenance to enable the entrance of Lake Conjola to be opened quickly if forecast rainfall looks like leading to water levels rising.
Water levels in the lake are currently sitting around the licenced trigger for a mechanical opening and this preparatory work is being conducted in accordance with Council's Lake Conjola Entrance Management Policy (EMP).
Mayor Patricia White said a 20-tonne excavator was on site to cut a shallow groove (or notch) in the dry sand to allow quicker and easier access to open the entrance of the lake if triggers are met.
"We understand the community at Lake Conjola is feeling nervous about the potentially wet week ahead," Cr White said.
"I'd like residents at Lake Conjola to feel confident that Council is doing what it can to prepare in the event that the lake's water level rises," she said.
"In accordance with our policies and licence agreements, we are doing everything we can to reduce the impact of flooding on the community at Lake Conjola."
Currently, the water level in Lake Conjola has been consistently hovering around the 1.0 metre (AHD) level. While opening the lake at a level lower than the trigger is likely to be unsuccessful, undertaking dry notch maintenance to reduce the sand burden behind the entrance will ensure a much more effective and efficient opening.
Council is also assessing tidal forecasts and swell conditions for the coming week to identify potential windows of opportunity to perform an effective opening should the prospect of rainfall be realised.
Council has also been notified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) that the shorebird nesting season has ended and there is no nesting shorebirds present at the site.
The public is advised to stay outside the work area and keep away from the machinery during the works.
