A report that will determine the future of the Lake Illawarra Authority has been handed to the NSW government, but it could be another month before the future of the LIA is made public, with the long-awaited review now to be considered by the NSW cabinet.
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The government says the wide-ranging review of the LIA's organisation and operations was about finding the best model for management of the lake.
There has been speculation the review would mean the abolition of the LIA, which was established in 1987, with responsibility for the lake being transferred to Wollongong City Council.
"The review was to investigate the most effective future management options for Lake Illawarra and determine if the LIA has met its objectives of restoring the environment of the Lake Illawarra and enhancing its foreshores," Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources Troy Grant said.
"The lake is clearly well loved amongst locals and visitors who were keen to have their say in determining the future of this great waterway and ensure its aquatic health and stunning foreshore is maintained into the future," Mr Grant said.
"The report will now be considered by the NSW government, along with the recommendations contained in the report. Over the last 25 years the LIA has helped transform the lake and the surrounding environment into a healthy estuary and a popular recreation destination and we want to ensure it remains in good hands for future generations."
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson was due to raise the issue in Parliament last night and demand that the report into the future management of Lake Illawarra be released.
"There's no longer any excuse for the delay in releasing the report, which was originally due in late January," she said.
Ms Watson said she wanted a guarantee the government would ensure there were community consultations before any of the report's recommendations were determined.
