Update on planning and operational activities for Lake Albert

Published: 07 Aug 2024 11:39am

Council has received and noted a report providing an update on several planning and operational activities that will impact Lake Albert in the short and long term.

The report presented at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Monday 5 August included an update on the Waterzyme blue-green algae (BGA) treatment trial in Lake Albert, sedimentation levels in the lake, and the draft Lake Albert Plan of Management.

Manager City Growth and Regional Assets Ben Creighton says the Waterzyme trial began in January this year and coincided with testing results that indicated a Red Alert level for blue-green algae.

“It did have some impact but didn't necessarily resolve all of the issues for us, so at this point in time, it's about investigating what options are out there,” Mr Creighton said.

“The decision from councillors was for staff to continue to have discussions with other government organisations and suppliers of possible emerging treatments of blue-green algae.

“We will also continue to talk to Waterzyme around their product as well, with the potential to look at that again this year.

“At this stage, we will be looking to take a report to the new council closer to the summer season on what treatments would be available for the upcoming season.”

Councillors also received an update about sedimentation in the lake, after a hydrographic survey was conducted in late May 2024 to produce accurate depths of the lake and to provide an indication of the sediment hardness.

The survey found that the sediment accumulation was substantially less than had previously been anticipated.

It is recommended that staff continue to monitor the sediment accumulation and movement within the lake and continue to explore future sediment mitigation measures.

The final update discussed at the meeting was the draft Lake Albert Plan of Management, with the Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure approving the draft Plan of Management for public exhibition.

The draft is expected to go on public exhibition during August.

In addition to the broader public consultation, detailed consultation will be undertaken with the lake users, surrounding residents and the Wiradjuri community.

Following the public exhibition period if no significant changes are required, the department has also consented to the plan’s adoption following its consideration by Council.

At the meeting, Council endorsed the consideration of allocating funding during the 2025/26 Financial Year towards the provision of sediment mapping, and towards implementing the actions and projects identified in the Lake Albert Management Plan.