Yesterday (10-01-19), media reporting regarding the Menindee fish kill incident referenced two further incidents, one being Lake Cathie. Port Macquarie-Hastings Council would like to provide further detail on the Lake Cathie incident and reassure the community and visitors that there are currently no health risks with swimming or recreations activities in the Lake.

“Council appreciates that the reference to fish deaths in Lake Cathie in association with the Menindee incident may have caused some concern. We want to assure the community and visitors to the area that these are two very different circumstances and there is no cause for alarm” said Acting General Manager, Jeffery Sharp.

Earlier in the week, Council received a report of dead fish in the vicinity of the Perch Hole, one of the estuaries associated with Lake Cathie. The NSW Department of Industry & Investment (Fisheries), as the relevant authority, was contacted and have conducted an investigation. Fisheries found evidence that fish have died in the upper estuary or “Cathie Drain” area as a result of high temperatures and low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water.

“This is a naturally occurring event which happens from time to time, and Fisheries have confirmed that it is not related to any pollution or toxicity in the Lake or associated waterways. Council will continue to monitor the water quality in the Lake and advise the community if there are any concerns.

Whilst the death of the fish, even in small numbers such as this, is unfortunate, we want to reassure the community that the Lake continues to be safe for recreation. Council will continue to liaise with Fisheries and monitor the situation and advise if that changes,” said Mr Sharp.