A pristine spot for walking, cycling, bird watching, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking, the lake has recently been described as “a disgrace” by locals who say its condition has deteriorated significantly.
Colin Drury from the Tocumwal Angling Club, who has had a lifelong connection with the lake, voiced his disappointment.
“The lake’s a pretty big disgrace if you ask me,” he said.
“I’ve fed cod in there for over 50 years from the Narrandera fisheries. For a period the lake level got left quite low.”
Drury believes water transfers in recent years have disrupted the lake’s ecosystem.
“A heap of water was pushed in and it had a different temperature.
“That was about three or four years ago, and around 60 cod died. It took the oxygen out of the water for the fish,” he explained.
“All the cod have gone and all that’s left is the big European carp. It used to be clear and now you can’t see your fingers two centimetres under the water.”
Despite the criticism, efforts to improve the lake are underway.
John Lacy from the Finley Lake Management Committee said the group has worked hard over the years and is now awaiting the rollout of funding in collaboration with Berrigan Shire Council.
A masterplan has been developed, and proposals include desilting, creating new islands, and improving the lake’s edges.
“They, I understand, are working on grants, but it’s quite involved,” Lacy said. “We hope to take more action in the new year.”
The committee, made up of six members, has echoed community concerns and is actively seeking solutions.
“We’re all getting older,” Mr Lacy noted.
“We’d love the shire to take over.”
He acknowledged past discussions with Matt Hansen, the former deputy CEO of Berrigan Shire, who has since moved on.
“There’s fault on both sides,” Lacy said.
“But we’re starting to liaise again.”
With multiple stakeholders involved, including local schools that use the lake for water-based learning, there’s hope that renewed collaboration will bring improvements.
“The lake is fantastic for Finley,” Lacy added.
“I haven’t had a chance to put time into it lately, but we have a general meeting coming up and will raise it then.”
The committee is open to more community support, acknowledging that financial constraints and restoration efforts could “cost a small fortune.”
Still, they remain committed to preserving this valuable local resource.
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