Paddleboats to leave Emerald Lake Park

Emerald Lake Park (File)

The much-loved Lakeside Paddleboats are leaving Emerald Lake Park, Cardinia Shire Council has announced.

The council wished them well in their decision to relocate, the paddle service will have its final weekend this week.

The attraction will no longer be available to visitors from 9 February and the council will now be considering future opportunities for the lake and visitors.

The council said they have been working closely with the operators of Lakeside Paddleboats and other Emerald Lake Park stakeholders over many years, including the more recent embankment stabilisation works carried out in July 2023.

The stabilisation works were completed to prevent further erosion of the bank edges, support biodiversity and ecosystems within the lake, and ensure ongoing stability of the lake. The council also supported the installation of buoys on the lake for the safety of paddleboats and their users.

The stabilisation works involved the use of stockpiled rocks to support the base of the bank along with smaller stones to create a safety slope. This design was considered the safest and most environmentally responsible approach.

Lakeside Paddleboats provided the council with their notice to vacate the site on 16 January and while these attractions won’t be available after the 9th February, Emerald Lake Park remains open and continues to provide a variety of recreational activities and natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.

The council said they are grateful to all our visitors for their support for these attractions over the years and want to thank the community for their understanding and continued support of Emerald Lake Park as we navigate this transition.

We encourage you to explore the park and enjoy all it continues to offer. For more information on Emerald Lake Park visit: cardinia.vic.gov.au/elp