LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN OPEN TO WATER CRAFT

The National Capital Authority (NCA) advises that Lake Burley Griffin will be opened to secondary contact recreation today (Dec 18th), but remains closed to primary contact recreation until further notice.

Primary contact recreation means recreation that involves whole-body water contact or submersion of the head. Examples include swimming, diving and windsurfing.

Secondary contact recreation, such as rowing, fishing, boating and canoeing, will still be permitted although persons engaged in secondary contact recreation should be careful to limit any water exposure.

NCA Chief Executive, Gary Rake advises secondary contact users to take extra care in the water.

Although bacteria has returned to a safe level for secondary contact use, there is still a risk of damage to craft due to partially or completely submerged debris.

The NCA urges users to exercise caution and to assess risk levels before entering the water, said Mr Rake.

With the lifting of the complete lake closure, the NCA will now begin clearing as much of the debris in Lake Burley Griffin and is seeking the assistance of lake users.

Regular lake users, such as rowing or sailing clubs could, if safe to do so, and if covered by their insurances, survey the water, around their facility and place a floating marker on sunken timber hazards. This will serve as both a warning to other lake users and a marker for subsequent debris removal operations, said Mr Rake.

Users who notice damage to any infrastructure around the lake are encouraged to advise the NCA by emailing natcap@natcap.gov.au or calling 6271 2888.

Lake Burley Griffin has been closed for the last fortnight as a result of sewage contamination.