The committee identified the project about three years ago as a way to secure and conserve water for the lake, which would help ensure residents and visitors could continue to enjoy boating, swimming and other activities.

Committee secretary Rob Ellis said plans were submitted to relevant organisations including Parks Victoria as part of a grant application for the work.

All supported the application, but it was unsuccessful.

The committee decided to help finance the work, and sought approvals and permits from the same groups.

He said all approved the work except Parks, which was mistakenly not contacted.

Mr Ellis said work started, but Parks stopped it about a year ago.

The committee contributed tens of thousands of dollars to the project, along with volunteer hours and equipment.

Mr Ellis said with no action for so long, the group felt its only option was to make the issue public.

“We don’t know why work has been stopped. We’ve been given a few scenarios from Parks, but not a definite answer,” he said.

“There is a fair bit of concern about the lack of communication we’ve had.

“All we want to do is get it completed. Like anything, the longer it goes, the more it costs.

“It has blown out now, and that means there's going to be quite a bit of community money that could have been spent elsewhere going into this project.

“We get asked by people, ‘Why hasn’t it been finished?’

“We've tried to work with Parks over the past 12 months to get it completed, but haven't had a lot of success.

“We are frustrated – there’s no doubt about that.”

Mr Ellis said the committee had written to Water Minister Lisa Neville and Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio about their concerns.

He said the committee had never needed to approach a serving minister on any issues in its 55-year history.

“All we're trying to do is bring the level of the lake back to its original height,” he said.

“It’s not as though this project is going to drought-proof the lake – it just gives us a little bit of extra time when we do get a good rainfall.”

Parks Victoria regional director Sally Lewis said construction started without approvals from Parks, which manages the land. 

“In considering an approval, Parks Victoria requires an assessment of the potential environmental impact of the proposed construction activity,” she said. 

“Natimuk Lake and Natimuk Creek Lake Reserve are part of the Natimuk-Douglas saline wetland system, which has significant environmental value.

“A water management plan or hydrological flows study will provide a science-based assessment of the potential impact of the proposed structure.”

Ms Lewis said local government stakeholders would meet next month to discuss the project.

“We know the importance of the lake to the community, and will continue to update the committee as we work to ensure the lake remains a healthy and popular destination,” she said.