MIDCOAST COUNCIL OPENS SMITHS LAKE

Mid Coast Council has opened Smiths Lake to the ocean, as more heavy rain hits the region.

Crews have been on-site since the weekend, preparing for this morning’s low tide.

Council says the lake is opened manually when it nears 2.1 metres above sea level – in a bid to prevent nearby homes and roads becoming flooded.

The opening has created unstable conditions on the beach, so locals are advised to stay away.