Study of options to manage erosion at the Lake’s entrance

Wollongong City Council and Shellharbour City Council are working collaboratively with the NSW Government to assess options for the entrance channel of Lake Illawarra.

The project, called the Lake Illawarra Entrance Options Study, is looking at options to manage erosion that has occurred since Lake Illawarra was manually opened. It is being undertaken by experts from the University of NSW Water Research Laboratory.

Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said the now-disbanded Lake Illawarra Authority opened the lake in 2007 to address issues around water quality, odour, and algal blooms.

“While the issues around water quality, odour and algal blooms have greatly improved, the Lake Illawarra Authority decision has seen unintended changes like foreshore erosion, particularly along the Windang foreshore; an increasing tidal range; the undermining of built assets; and the degradation of key seagrass and saltmarsh habitats,” continued Cr Bradbery.

“The Lake Illawarra entrance channel has not reached a balanced state, meaning it will continue to erode the Windang side of the entrance. In fact, Swansea Channel in Lake Macquarie still hasn’t reached equilibrium 120 years after it was opened and has similarly suffered loss of infrastructure and significant erosion along its shoreline.

“The community have told us they are concerned about these changes, and we have committed to understanding and addressing them through the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program. The Entrance Options Study is the first stage of this process.

“Human intervention in natural coastal processes is fraught and we are seeking the most practical and sustainable options."

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer emphasised the Lake Illawarra Entrance Options Study as a pivotal step in the council's ongoing commitment to lake conservation.

“We understand that Lake Illawarra is an important natural asset. The study will explore sustainable strategies for managing the lake and its entrance channel,” Mayor Homer said.

“The highly experienced project team, made up of coastal and hydrological engineers and staff, are reviewing extensive data from prior environmental studies and community feedback. The final report will give us a shortlist of recommendations of the possible options to pursue.

“The management of the lake is complex, and this is just one step in the process,” he said.

Later this year, the community will be invited to provide further feedback on a shortlist of management options. Following consultation, a final report will be published.

Register to receive updates about the Lake Illawarra Entrance Options Study and be directly notified when there are opportunities for engagement: https://letschatshellharbour.com/lake-illawarra-entrance-options-study