However, the lake has never been far from controversy and it appears that again, residents are concerned about the health of the lake due to a gradual sand build-up at its mouth.

Back in the 1980s, sand build-up led to the closure of the lake’s entrance every few years, trapping pollutants and destroying marine life in times of drought.

The problem was eventually overcome with two breakwaters, the first installed in 2001, the second in 2007, at a cost of $11million. Since then the lake has returned to a fisherman’s paradise, and catches were plentiful before Christmas.

At this stage we have to rely on the word of the authorities, who say the sand build-up is part of the lake’s ‘‘natural processes’’.

However, one question that must be addressed immediately by the State Government is what’s happening with the Lake Illawarra Authority, which has been in limbo since last August.

It is vital that we have local input on the lake’s future and not leave it to faceless public servants to decide.