A SHORTAGE of water in Lake Eildon at the Bonnie Doon northern Brankeet arm has prompted Mansfield Shire Council to close several of its toilet blocks at public parking bays and picnic areas.

The Hutchinson’s Road and Maintongoon Road toilet blocks were closed recently and signs placed on them notifying visitors to please use the public facilities in Bon Crescent, Bonnie Doon.

The Hutchinson’s Road toilet block is about half way from Maroondah Highway to Lakeside Caravan Park and is sited near the now closed refuge transfer station site.

The Maintongoon Road facility is about five kilometres from Maroondah Highway on the way to Peppin Point and has previously been a popular spot for boaters and fishermen.

Shire chief executive officer, David Roff, said council had advertised its intention to close the facilities and had received no response.

"Lack of water in this part of the lake was the incentive to discourage people to go to these particular points," Mr Roff said.

"If there is no water then there is no reason for the public to be in these areas."

Mr Roff said questions from the public regarding the cost of buying water from Goulburn Murray Water to service these public facilities was not the reason for closure.

"I would not like to comment on this issue, but to my knowledge this was not the reason, it is purely lack of water in the lake," he said.