'We've got our lake back!': Celebrations as Lake Woorabinda filled for first time since 2017

Lake Woorabinda had been bone dry since 2017, but after years of lobbying the State Government, Carrathool Shire Council has received approval to turn on the pumps.

Previously the council had not been permitted to fill the lake due to drought conditions across the Lachlan River system.

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Water has been flowing into the artificial lake since January 24 at a rate of 26 megalitres each day and it is expected to be full by this weekend.

Carrathool Shire Council mayor, Daryl Jardine, described the return of water to the lake as "a good news story for everyone".

"It's good news for the Hillston community who use the parks around the lake, it's good news for the ski club, and it's good news for our visitors who haven't had the opportunity to stretch their legs along the walking track for many years," Cr Jardine said.

"Council recognizes the importance to the Shire's overall amenity of having a full lake, and that was why we kept lobbying the government to get the approval to turn on the pump".

In 2019, former Carrathool mayor Peter Laird voiced his outrage at being denied approval to fill the lake and the council was told it needed to put together an integrated water cycle management strategy before the pumps could be turned on.

Cr Jardine said it had been a long process obtaining all the permissions from various government agencies.

According to Paul Cleton from the Hillston District Aquatic Club, the lake has undergone improvements while empty.

"The club was pleased that Council had gained funding in 2018 to laser-level the bottom of the lake and improve the lake walls which enabled the walking track to be constructed," he said.

Lake Woorabinda was constructed in 1969 as a place for local residents to swim and water ski.

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