It’s been an enjoyably long period of Lake Cathie being open to the sea, however tides are taking a toll on the foreshore reserve. A local photographer recently highlighted how much of the reserve had recently been claimed by storms and high tides. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council are monitoring the reserve for the safety of users. “Two significant swell events have caused loss of park space at Foreshore Reserve, Lake Cathie during the last 12 months,” said the council’s group manager recreation and buildings Liam Bulley. “The first was during the June 2016 east coast low event which caused significant coastal erosion along the NSW coastline. “The most recent event occurred in the last week with large waves breaking into and across the lake. The council staff have been monitoring the reserve since June and barriers have been installed to prevent risk of fall for reserve users. “There is potential for 'winning' sand from dredging of Lake Cathie for reserve reestablishment however the timeframe for the next lake dredging is not known.”
