A MANDATORY clause in a new environmental zoning to be stamped on the lake in Lake Macquarie has recreational boaties worried.
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Lake Macquarie councillors on Monday endorsed the proposal instigated by council staff to give the lake the highest possible environmental zoning of a "natural waterway zone".
But boaties fear that a clause in the proposed zoning that says "prevent development that would have an adverse effect on the natural values of waterways in this zone", is an open ticket for authorities who can use it at any time to stonewall just about any project from a new marina to private boating on the lake.
Hunter chairman of the Boat Owners Association, Frank Downing, said his members had opposed the highest zoning in December and had argued that a secondary zoning, "recreational waterway", would have been more appropriate.
A council report said council staff had modified the higher zoning to address concerns.
"We fear it is an anti-boating move, especially with that mandatory clause," Mr Downing said.
The council's integrated planning manager Sharon Pope said the council's work over the past 20 years was to restore the ecological values of the lake to what they were before human settlement.
But Cr Daniel Wallace parried by saying people came before the lake was formed.