While it might be a hoax, I don't believe the story is that far fetched. I was being towed behind a boat that morning on the south side of Wangi point, and we spotted a shark. It was a lot closer to 4ft than 4m, and it was scared off by our motor rather than appearing aggressive. Sounds like they saw a shark *this* *big* and the story got out of hand.

We also seen a rather large shark in a bay near gwandalan at point wolstencroft. It was also scared off while we were towing someone behind our boat. It was just floating on the surface until we got really close to it.

This event may well be a practice run for the real thing. I took a series of photos & a video of a large shark in the outlet canal of Eraring Power Station that flows into Myuna Bay on Sept 16th at 4pm. Regular fishers at that spot say they see them all the time-& one said "Mark my words someone will be taken this summer." Recreational users of the lake,BE AWARE- in fact: BEWARE!

Whilst sharks may be good for the ecosystem they are not good for tourism or swimmers that regularly use the lake. We effectively cull sharks via netting of major beaches, the lake is ignored whilst shark numbers have steadily increased since the demise of commercial fishing. The Bull Shark which is the predominant species in our lake is cited as being the most dangerous shark to humans. If our authorities continue to deny this threat, they will be the ones to wear the back lash and condemnation from the community. What would the Mayor Greg Piper, whom I have much respect for, have to say if a child or teenager is taken. He can hardly deny having been warned as he has commented on community fears in past years. Councils have a responsibility, that reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety of the community.

I agree, it might've been a hoax this time but there is definitely an increase in sharks present and sighted in Lake Macquarie. Particularly in the Eraring Energy Hot Water Outlet Myuna Bay & Wangi Wangi south side. Warning signs & a Educational Campaign are overdue, esp for unaware visitors eg @ Myuna Sport & Rec Camp! maybe it's time we bought back the old swimming baths at more apropriate swimming locations? the Fisherman at the outlet have plenty of stories to tell, they are just reluctant to tell as it may publicise their favourite fishing haunt. oh & remember the Rare Ray sighting,, rays are in the shark family. Aquatic Studies need to be done re the impact of Eraring Energy on the thermal temp increases of Lake Macqauarie & the ever increasing sightings of Tropical species. Perhaps changes in the seagrasses also are having an impact!

If people think there is no sharks in the Lake....Youre mad !!! It's a proven fact that sharks come into Lakes & bays when they are injured....

Progressive thinker, a lack of respect for all creatures results in the violence we see in our society today. We are up in arms when children kill animals, saying they will grow up to be violent, but we will happily kill when it suits us. If there was an attack, and somehow Mayor Greg Piper was interviewed, I am guessing he would say what a terrible tragedy it has been, he feels sorry for the family, but there are risks involved in everything we do. Maybe the lake is not the place to swim, after all we left the water millions of years ago.

From a shark conservation view, We have enough people in the world, but not enough sharks. "Protect the sharks and the bad image they get when they attack people" Solution: Kill the people in the water before another shark gets a bad rap by biting one of the people.

Shark numbers across the board of almost any species have declined by 90% in the last 20 years, due to increase fishing for thier fins. Continue being scared of everything in life that you don't fully understand, and your kids will grow up to have the same narrow minded views as you.

My comment got absolutely butchered by the editors of the Herald. But my comment was aimed at you PROGRESSIVE THINKER.