Lake entrance opening policies

Council has the responsibility for the management of most entrances to coastal lakes in Eurobodalla Shire. Coastal lakes and estuaries are diverse, complex ecosystems and are well adapted to the environment they are in. This means they are constantly adapting and stabilizing, whether they are opened or closed.

Most of Eurobodalla's coastal lakes are perched behind a barrier of sand between the lake and the ocean. These barriers can be breached naturally during heavy rainfall or heavy seas, however, prior to this occurring, water builds up behind the barriers, which can flood roads, stormwater systems and private properties.

Council recognises that intermittently closed or opened coastal lakes and lagoons (sometimes referred to with the acronym ICOLLS) are governed by natural process and should be maintained with respect to that natural process unless assets are at risk of being flooded.

• Find out more about estuary water quality monitoring.
• Find out more about opening lakes and lagoons, including commonly raised questions about odours, vegetation and recreation in and around ICOLLS.

Typically, council does not open the entrance to a lake, creek or closed estuary because there are many reasons why artificial openings are not effective or sustainable.

'Entrance management' refers to the opening of lakes when water levels begin to cause flooding. Council aims to maintain sand barriers and coastal lakes in as close to a natural condition as possible. In doing so, managing lake entrances is a balance between maintaining natural process and preventing the flooding of assets (ie, private property etc,).

• Entrance Management of Eurobodalla Lakes (4 MB)

Lake entrance opening levels