The previous board’s term expired last August, but a new committee has not yet been appointed.

The government established the LIA in 1988 with the aim of transforming the degraded waters and foreshores of Lake Illawarra into an attractive resource.

The board is appointed for two years and consists of five community members and five members from various government departments, including Shellharbour and Wollongong Councils.

Community members who had lodged an application for the new board previously relayed fears that the lake was under greater threat than ever and a new board was a necessity.

Applicants said due to the area’s growing population, there was a need for a local conduit between the community and officialdom.

The Yachting NSW Southern Zone committee, which represents the four sailing clubs around the lake, has written to Minster for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson, local MPs and both councils about the issue.

They are also seeking a meeting with Ms Hodgkinson and the Minister for the Illawarra.

Southern Zone committee chairman Stephen Phillips said sailors were “baffled” and “concerned” that the LIA had not been appointed. “Lake Illawarra through the good work of the LIA is now a highly regarded sailing venue for our locals and many visitors seeking it as a venue for state and national championships,” he said.

In their letter to the Minister, the committee said the condition of Lake Illawarra’s waters and surrounding foreshores had greatly improved under the LIA.

“The lake is still far from perfect but continued proper decision-making, funding and action is really needed,” their letter said.

“Lake Illawarra before the LIA’s formation could best be described as a dirty, smelly, neglected embarrassment.”

Illawarra Yacht Club delegate Bob Bower said sailors were concerned about the protection of the lake for future generations.

“The LIA has been doing good work,” he said.

“If it doesn’t return, the lake may return to what it was ten years ago, when it was bloody terrible.

“The lake is too big an asset for all of us, not just sailors, and it needs to be protected.”

A Department of Primary Industries spokesman said the State Government was currently considering the membership of the LIA. “Operational matters at Lake Illawarra continue to be managed by full-time staff from the Department of Primary Industries,” he said.