Unpleasant smell is safe, council

Lake Victoria, Point Lonsdale.

A strange and unpleasant odour that has been worrying some residents in Point Lonsdale is harmless, City of Greater Geelong said.

The City has investigated the source of the odour and identified the source as being Lake Victoria, council said. Parks Victoria has confirmed this finding.

From time to time Lake Victoria dries out and as a result the vegetation within the water body begins to decompose, releasing strong sulphur-based odours.

This is a natural phenomenon that dissipates over time or upon sufficient rainfall.

There is no cause for concern and residents should not be alarmed or concerned although the City acknowledges that the smell is unpleasant.

“We wish to reassure residents and visitor in Point Lonsdale that the odour they may smell is not dangerous although it is, of course, unpleasant,” Dicrector, Planning and Development Gareth Smith said.

“The smell will dissipate over time or more quickly with sufficient rainfall.”