Flood preparedness works are underway at The Entrance Channel to increase the flow of water out of the Tuggerah lakes system – Lake Munmorah, Budgewoi Lake and Tuggerah Lake.
Widening the primary channel to the north at The Entrance is an effort to realign the channel back to its more natural location which is north of the rock platform.
Central Coast Council is currently monitoring water levels in Tuggerah lakes in accordance with the Interim Entrance Management Procedure including closely looking at the Bureau of Meteorology forecast rainfall data and using a tool to help predict the impact on Tuggerah lakes over the next four days.
There are currently no flood warnings for Tuggerah lakes, but water levels in the lake have been slow to drop and the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting heavy rain from Friday through to Sunday, May 3-5.
Council is also working to prepare a secondary pilot channel, including the removal of sand shoaling to create a second exit point for water.
The second exit will remain “plugged” until optimal conditions are met providing the best opportunity for water to escape.
Works will continue until Friday, May 3.
For more information on how Council manages Tuggerah lakes estuary including The Entrance Channel and to view the Interim Entrance Management Procedure visit https://hubs.la/Q02vsThY0