The Lake Illawarra Authority, the lake’s manager, has said in the past such inundation of sand is due to ‘‘natural processes’’.

But residents have called for further dredging to help bring the lake back to pristine condition.

They have claimed it is starting to resemble a desert.

Ms Watson said yesterday the Government could bring in dredging machinery to clean up the lake, claiming it had equipment which was just gathering dust.

She cited a March 2011 media release, written in the last days of the former Labor state government, in which then Lands Minister Tony Kelly announced the purchase of a $1.6million ‘‘transportable cutter suction dredge’’.

‘‘I am convinced this dredge would fix this problem,’’ she said.

Ms Watson said officials from the Lake Illawarra Authority were in favour of further dredging, but were being hampered by the State Government.

‘‘The Lake Illawarra Authority is keen for this to happen.’’

The lake authority said it was not able to comment on the issue.

A spokesman said the State Government does not own any dredging equipment but does tender for dredging work.

He did not say whether the Government would take any extra steps to prevent the sand build-up.

‘‘Sediment transport to the lake entrance channel is actively monitored by the Lake Illawarra Authority and the authority has no concerns about the current level of sediment,’’ he said.

‘‘When the entrance works were carried out at the lake in 2007, it was predicted that sand would periodically build up and be removed with flood cycles.’’

Ms Watson said the longer the lake was left to sink under the sand, the greater the impact would be on tourism.

‘‘The lake is a huge drawcard for tourism and a drawcard for this electorate and if it is not looking its best, it will be overlooked,’’ she said.