A new wetland has been created in Lake Tuggeranong as part of the ACT Healthy Waterways program.
Minister for Water, Shane Rattenbury said the trial wetland was designed to reduce the likelihood of algal blooms in warm weather.
“Current ongoing research shows that the introduction of a new wetland environment in Lake Tuggeranong will create competition with algae for nutrients and light, making it much harder for algal blooms to spread,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“This is the first large-scale deployment of a floating wetland within the ACT. The wetland will cover approximately 500m2 and will absorb significant amounts of nutrients entering the area during low flows when algal blooms might form in the area,” he said.
“The floating wetland is made of a fibrous recycled plastic base covered with a matt of coconut fibre. Local native plants will be planted into the wetland and will grow through the layers of material, their roots extending into the water. The plants, and the fungi and bacteria that grow on their roots, will take up nutrients from the water, helping to improve water quality.
“We are prioritising initiatives that will reduce the flow of nutrient pollutants into our lakes when it rains to preserve and improve the quality of our lakes and ponds.”
Mr Rattenbury said the trial would last for two years, during which time the Government would closely monitor the performance of the project.
If the trial is successful, he said the wetland would be maintained in Lake Tuggeranong on an ongoing basis.
“I want to extend my thanks to the construction team for their hard work in bringing this project together,” the Minister said
Find out more about the ACT Healthy Waterways program including the trial floating wetland on the ACT Environment website.
