SIMON Corbell and Mick Gentleman have announced treatment options to improve the long-term water quality of Lake Tuggeranong, including floating wetlands, submerged bubblers, fountains, dredging, in-lake recycling and sediment curtains were announced for public consultation today by the ACT Government.

Simon says the options will be the start of a discussion on how Canberrans want their iconic lakes and rivers to be used and rejuvenated.

“By improving our lakes we’re not only looking to improve water quality into the Murray–Darling Basin, but to further improve Canberra’s liveability, boost tourism and support economic and employment growth for the capital region,” Simon said.

“Catchment options under consideration for Lake Tuggeranong include:

• constructed wetlands and ponds;
• stormwater harvesting and reuse for irrigating playing fields green open spaces;
• upgrading and retrofitting existing gross pollution traps.

In-lake options under consideration include:

• floating wetlands;
• submerged bubblers;
• inflow baffles;
• aeration fountains; and
• in-lake recirculation systems.

“The results from community consultation will feed into our proposals to the Federal Government, which will then decide which water quality infrastructure to fund. This project offers practical solutions to our water quality issues and will be of benefit now and for future generations.”

Mick said the consultation options were a great chance for the residents of Tuggeranong to have their say on how they use the lake.

“The Lake Tuggeranong catchment is one of Canberra’s priority catchments and an important asset for the Tuggeranong and Canberra community,” Mick said.

“Lake Tuggeranong performs a vital role in the community, and I am very pleased to see work commencing to improve its water quality and amenity to ensure its role as a feature piece for the Tuggeranong town centre.

“Lake Tuggeranong plays an important water quality role filtering stormwater prior to entering the Murrumbidgee River, in addition to its recreation and aesthetic values.

“Studies show on occasion, Lake Tuggeranong suffers from high nutrient levels in stormwater run-off from its surrounding urban areas. When this occurs the lake is closed to swimming and other contact uses due to blue green algal blooms. It’s important that we look closely at our future options to improve the water quality.”

The Commonwealth and ACT governments have allocated $93.5 million over five years to reduce the impact of storm water, sediment and other pollutants on the ACT’s waterways, with subsequent flow-on effects downstream to the Murrumbidgee and Murray–Darling river systems.

Consultation on the territory’s six priority catchments begins on July 28, when Canberrans will be invited to have their say on treatment options for Yarralumla Creek, Fyshwick, Lake Tuggeranong, Upper Molonglo, Lower Molonglo and West Belconnen catchment areas.

Consultation sessions will be held for each of the priority catchments, starting with Lake Tuggeranong on July 28 at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.

For more information on options for Lake Tuggeranong, or to have your say visit environment.act.gov.au