A lasting solution would require reconfiguring the lake entrance. This would be a large‑scale and costly project and would need to carefully balance the many environmental, social and operational constraints of the lake.

Both Shellharbour City Council and Wollongong City Council have investigated a range of possible options through the Lake Illawarra Entrance Options Study (EOS). Following this work, both councils have written to the NSW Government requesting funding and support to develop a Strategic Business Case (SBC) to further investigate a long‑term approach to managing the lake entrance.

Council is currently awaiting a response to this request.