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Anton Dominis has a pretty radical idea to improve Lake Illawarra’s water quality, and it might just work.
He proposes a second lake opening or canal from Port Kembla beach to Joes Bay, including a mini-lagoon for a boat marina, which will act as a sea-current buffer between the ocean and the lake.
The project would also require an opening or an arched bridge over King Street.
Mr Dominis has a PhD in chemistry and works for Wollongong Hi-Tech Consulting.
He has been a University of Wollongong lecturer and a high school teacher.
‘‘The lake is dying and man has caused it to deteriorate to a critical state and something ought to be done,’’ Mr Dominis said.
He spoke to the Neighbourhood Forum 7 and gained support from the group.
‘‘State government pulled the funding but the water quality was not addressed so Anton’s suggestion makes sense and is worthwhile investigating,’’ Neighbourhood Forum 7 convener Kristian Williams said.
‘‘This project could make the lake the jewel of the Illawarra,’’ Mr Dominis said.
From World War II to present the lake has been deteriorating and despite the completion of the permanent entrance in 2007 issues remain in the lake’s north east corner.
It has been badly looked after with dumping of slags, coal wash and ash, radioactive material, sewage, domestic rubbish and rural and domestic chemicals.
Mr Dominis said there are two disadvantages to the project – money and traffic disruptions but he believes the benefits heavily outweigh the costs.
‘‘The developments will not affect residential or industrial areas and there will be no destruction of property or displacement of people,’’ he said.
Seawater will continually flush out pollutants and suspended solids from the lake’s basin which would improve water quality.
Building a marina will allow boats to enter the lake from the ocean and he believes the project would bring in sustainable eco-tourism, a theme park, clubs and new businesses along the foreshores – all creating jobs for the Illawarra.
Money is now the problem and the project needs approval from state government.
Mr Dominis is trying to find money from private industry or political bodies and would ideally like to start construction within two years.