The ACT Government has released the Healthy Waterways Plan for Lake Tuggeranong, setting out a 10-year approach to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of algal blooms.
The plan aims to reduce pollutants entering the lake so the community can enjoy water 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 from community consultation conducted late last year.
The ACT Government has committed $2.7 million in the 2026-27 Budget to start key actions under the plan.
Why does Lake Tuggeranong need a water quality plan?
Lake Tuggeranong supports recreation, connection with nature and community wellbeing.
However, nutrient pollution entering the lake through urban stormwater runoff continues to contribute to harmful algal blooms.
Those blooms can affect how residents use and enjoy the lake.
Orr said scientific assessments have identified excess phosphorus entering the lake through stormwater as the main driver of algal blooms.
“Lake Tuggeranong is really important to the community, supporting recreation, connection with nature and wellbeing,” 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.”
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Where is the phosphorus coming from?
The ACT Government said phosphorus enters Lake Tuggeranong from common urban sources.
These include leaves, grass clippings, fertilisers and sediment from roads and driveways.
When those materials wash into stormwater drains and reach the lake, they can increase nutrient loads.
That creates conditions conducive to algal blooms, particularly when other environmental factors align.
“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,” Orr said.
What actions are funded?
The $2.7 million Budget commitment will support several early actions.
These include additional street sweeping, resident support to improve gardening practices, stronger research and monitoring, and trials of anti-algal technologies.
The plan also places a strong emphasis on learning what works under local conditions.
Orr said actions will be tested, refined and scaled up where they prove effective.
“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,” 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.”
How does the plan build on existing investment?
The Healthy Waterways Plan for Lake Tuggeranong builds on more than $40 million invested through the Healthy Waterways Program since 2014.
That investment has supported water quality works in the Tuggeranong catchment, including wetlands, stormwater upgrades and community education programs.
The new plan sets a longer-term framework for reducing pollutant loads entering the lake.
It also links infrastructure, research, monitoring and community behaviour.
That matters because reducing algal blooms depends on both catchment works and everyday actions that reduce nutrient inputs to stormwater.
What role does the community play?
The ACT Government said residents, businesses and community groups can help improve Lake Tuggeranong by changing how garden waste and nutrients are managed.
That includes adopting waterway-sensitive gardening practices and putting fallen leaves and grass clippings in green bins.
Member for Brindabella, Taimus Werner-Gibbings, said local action is needed alongside Government investment.
“Lake Tuggeranong needs help, and this significant investment shows help is on the way from the ACT Government,” Werner-Gibbings said. “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.”
What does the plan mean for the lake?
The plan does not promise to eliminate algal blooms entirely.
Instead, it aims to reduce pollutant inputs, reduce the number of lake closures and make bloom events shorter and easier to manage.
Member for Brindabella, Caitlin Tough, said the plan is focused on long-term environmental and recreational benefits.
“Lake Tuggeranong is one of our community’s greatest assets, and the Healthy Waterways program is ensuring future generations can enjoy it,” Tough said. “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.”
