Greens Lake at Corop will temporarily close over the new-year period for public safety.
The lake has closed over the new-year period for the past decade, with emergency services calling for the shutdown following multiple dangerous incidents.
Goulburn-Murray Water delivery services general manager Warren Blyth said continuing to close the lake was the most sensible decision.
“The advice from emergency services is that we continue to close Greens Lake during the new year’s holiday period,” he said.
“Doing so has effectively reduced the type of incidents that led to the closure, so it is the safest option available.”
The lake will be closed from 10am on Tuesday, December 31 and reopen at noon on Wednesday, January 1.
Those camping at Greens Lake ahead of the closure must remove their belongings before leaving the area.
“Most potential visitors are aware that spending the new year there is not an option,” Mr Blyth said.
“We appreciate people’s continued co-operation and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday period.”
A new speed limit will be in place at Greens Lake near Corop on New Year’s Day.
From Wednesday, January 1, a five-knot speed limit will be implemented for the entire lake as the storage level falls below 47.4 per cent, or 100 in Australian Height Datum.
Goulburn-Murray Water manager storage operations south Paul Beard said the new rules would help ensure public safety.
“Water levels at the lake are slowly dropping due to evaporation and will reach 47.4 per cent around the end of the year,” Mr Beard said.
“At this level, the lake is quite shallow and can pose a risk to people travelling at speed.”
The new speed limit will remain in place until the lake’s storage rises above 47.4 per cent.
Mr Beard asked everyone visiting the lake in the coming weeks to make safety a priority.
“On its busier days during the summer, Greens Lake can attract more than 1000 visitors,” he said.
“It is important, not only for their own safety but the safety of those around them, that everyone who visits does the right thing and sticks to the rules.”
The lake will be closed over the new year’s period for safety reasons.
For more information on rules and water storage at Greens Lake, visit gmwater.com.au/greenslake