Lake Lonsdale users are desperate after the lake reached a dangerously low five per cent storage level.

It comes after the government committed 5000 megalitres of water to the Toolondo reservoir at the weekend.

Lake Lonsdale Action Group president Ray Howard said the committee hoped the State Government could help save its lake.

He said Lake Lonsdale was in urgent need of a top-up.

“This new government seems to have a different attitude from the last government,” he said.

“We want council to meet with this new government and see if we can get a permanent arrangement that will benefit the community.”

Mr Howard said he would write to Northern Grampians Shire Council to try to get the ball rolling.

“We at least want a survey done into the economic effect the lake had on tourism,” he said.

“One was done at Lake Fyans when the water was low and then again when full and there was a 100 per cent increase in tourism – we want to get that done for Lonsdale.”

Mr Howard said after a survey, the committee would have more facts and figures to support its case.

“The lake is getting very low – something needs to be done soon,” he said.

He said there was a possibility the lake could dry up during summer.

Northern Grampians Mayor Murray Emerson said the State Government’s announcement at Toolondo set a precedent for other regional waterways.

“Council is running a campaign to try to get something done,” he said.

“We will be talking to our ministers and GWMWater.

“This campaign has been going on for a lot of years and we haven’t got far yet but we are hopeful.”

Cr Emerson said Lake Lonsdale was vital to the region’s economy.

Natimuk Lake Foreshore Committee secretary Mary Smith said she was excited to see a government that recognised the benefits of recreational water.

“We are always hoping for more water and we were excited to see Toolondo get water – it gives us a bit more hope,” she said.

“Our foreshore committee will meet soon and we will discuss how we can approach the State Government, seeing it has shown such a positive approach to Toolondo.

“It’s good to see lakes getting recognised as being valuable for recreation.”

Mrs Smith said water in Natimuk Lake would benefit the community and wider region.

“It is a fantastic resource for the area in terms of tourism, recreation and conservation,” she said.

However, Hindmarsh Mayor Ron Lowe said a water allocation would not help save Lake Hindmarsh.

“As much as we would like to see the lake full of water, it is nature that has to do it,” he said.

“I don’t think we can drain any water from anywhere for the lake because after two or three warm days it will all evaporate.

“The reality is we have to let nature take its course.”

Cr Lowe said he was confident there would be more wet years in the future that would return water to the lake.

Water Minister Lisa Neville said the State Government went to the election with a clear commitment to ensure Lake Toolondo remained Victoria’s premium trout fishing destination.

“The community was ignored by the previous State Government, despite making a strong case for assistance,” she said.

“Water allocations for other lakes and reservoirs in Victoria are a matter for individual water authorities.

“I will continue to work with these bodies to listen and deal with issues on a case-by-case basis.”