Mr McClymont said the second digger which had become stranded halfway across the lake on Monday and had to be fired up on Tuesday and returned to shore had later made another, successful crack at reaching the island.
"Since then there has not been any problems, the whole thing is going like a box of fluffy ducks."
The intake to the lake has been shut off and the lake level dropped back further so the contractors, Central Earthworx, had maximum opportunity to work with as little water as possible impeding progress.
Mr McClymont said once the island work is finished the intake will be reopened so the lake can slowly refill.
"The longer it takes, the better but the level will be well and truly restored in time for planned boating competitions on the lake later this year," he said.
Tenders had been called for the work to be done, and two were received.
Mr McClymont said Central Earthworx got the nod, being a Carterton firm with experience working for both district councils and the Greater Wellington Regional Council, with one project being clearing crack willows from around Clarke Memorial Domain, Mauriceville.
There was no question of the work costing more than the tendered amount, Mr McClymont said.
"Even if it did run over the remaining time would be gifted as a community project, that has already been agreed," he said.
