Lake Conjola: South Coast MP Liza Butler, Shoalhaven mayor Patricia White call to dredge flood-prone lake

Calls to dredge a flood-prone lake on the NSW South Coast for the first time in more than a decade are intensifying across multiple levels of government after yet another flood scare.

Flooding at Lake Conjola on April 24, 2025. Picture: SES

Calls to dredge a flood-prone lake on the NSW South Coast for the first time in more than a decade are intensifying across multiple levels of government after yet another flood scare.

Lake Conjola, near Ulladulla, has flooded at least once annually for the past 12 years, according to South Coast MP Liza Butler, who is pushing to relaunch dredging of the lake — which was last undertaken in 2011.

Dredging removes sediment from the lake bed, restoring depth, improving water quality, and easing flood risk.

Ms Butler – who is spearheading the calls – said floods and evacuations had become regular since the practice stopped.

“In 1999, Shoalhaven Council commissioned a comprehensive study of entrance processes at Lake Conjola,” she said.

South Coast MP Liza Butler is calling on Lake Conjola dredging to recommence. Picture: Supplied

“A major re-set of the ebb channel was recommended and dredging followed.”

Ms Butler said no floods occurred during the dredging period.

SES responding to Lake Conjola flooding in 2023. Picture: SES

“The lake closed in 2011, and instead of maintaining a managed entrance, council reverted to old practices,” she said.

Since then, the popular tourist lake has flooded every year.

Ms Butler’s renewed push comes after an April 24 rain event saw water levels rise rapidly, prompting the local community to prepare for evacuation and SES works.

In a last-minute attempt to avoid disaster, Shoalhaven Council dug a channel between the lake and ocean — but it did not work.

Lake Conjola was opened to the ocean in efforts to stave off flooding in April, 2025. Picture: Lake Conjola & Surrounds Notice Board

Shoalhaven mayor Patricia White has now backed the dredging push, but said state government red tape was a major hurdle.

“Council has been unable to gain approval from state government agencies to dredge the ebb channel on an ongoing basis,” she said.

“We’re happy to work with Ms Butler and the relevant agencies toward a solution to address residents’ flood concerns.”

Ms Butler’s office has now launched a petition urging residents to show the NSW Government the community’s support for renewed dredging.

“I’ve spent the past 18 months studying the lake and working with council, ministers and the community to find real solutions,” she said.

“One critical step is dredging the ebb channel to reset the lake — giving us a stronger, more reliable way to prevent low-level flooding, especially in vulnerable areas.

“We need the NSW Government to act.”

Ms White urged concerned community members to sign the petition.

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Originally published as Lake Conjola: South Coast MP Liza Butler, Shoalhaven mayor Patricia White call to dredge flood-prone lake