The ACT Government has released the Healthy Waterways Plan for Lake Tuggeranong, setting out a 10-year vision to reduce pollutants entering the lake so the community can enjoy a lake that is more consistently free of algal blooms by 2036.
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said the Plan incorporates feedback received from the community consultation undertaken late last year and provides a clear roadmap to improve the long-term health and resilience of Lake Tuggeranong.
“Lake Tuggeranong is really important to the community, supporting recreation, connection with nature and wellbeing,” Minister Orr said.
“Unfortunately, nutrient pollution entering the lake through urban stormwater runoff continues to contribute to harmful algal blooms that impact how people are able to use and enjoy the lake.
“Scientific assessments confirm that excess phosphorus entering the lake through stormwater is the main driver of algal blooms. The phosphorus comes from things like leaves, grass clippings, fertilisers and sediment from roads and driveways.”
The ACT Government has committed $2.7 million in the 2026-27 Budget to get key actions underway now, including additional street sweeping, supporting residents to improve gardening practices, strengthening research and monitoring, and trialling anti‑algal technologies.
“While algal blooms can’t be eliminated entirely, the actions set out in this plan will work to reduce the number of lake closures and make blooms shorter and easier to manage,” Minister Orr said.
“Our actions will evolve as we learn what works best in real conditions. We’ll test, refine and scale up the most effective solutions, backed by ongoing research and monitoring.
“Everyone can play a role in improving the health of Lake Tuggeranong. Residents, businesses and community groups can help keep Lake Tuggeranong clean and healthy by adopting waterway-sensitive gardening practices and putting fallen leaves and grass clippings in the green bins.”
The Plan builds on more than $40 million invested through the Healthy Waterways Program since 2014 to improve water quality in the Tuggeranong catchment, including the construction of wetlands, stormwater upgrades and community education programs.
To read the Healthy Waterways Plan for Lake Tuggeranong and how the community can help to keep the lake healthy, visit the ACT Environment website.
Quotes attributable to Member for Brindabella Taimus Werner-Gibbings:
“Lake Tuggeranong needs help, and this significant investment shows help is on the way from the ACT Government.
“But the Lake’s rescue effort must start here in Tuggeranong, and it has to start with us.
“As Tuggeranong residents we can and should start reducing our gardening’s harm on Lake Tuggeranong today.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Brindabella Caitlin Tough:
“Lake Tuggeranong is one of our community’s greatest assets, and the Healthy Waterways program is ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.
“Lake Tuggeranong sits at the heart of our community, and I welcome practical investments delivering long term environmental and recreational benefits for the people who live here.
“Environmental restoration doesn’t happen overnight, but with continued investment and community support, we’re creating a healthier future for Lake Tuggeranong and everyone who enjoys it”
Statement ends
