Lake Hugh Muntz: Gold Coast City Council candidates speak about fix for ongoing algal bloom

The lake, once an attractive swimming spot, is now off-limits.

A MANAGEMENT plan and ongoing funding commitment from council is needed to fix Lake Hugh Muntz, according to candidates.

Division 12 candidate Zac Revere said the new council should implement a “serious Lake Hugh Muntz management plan” and the new councillor held accountable for its introduction.

Council is awaiting a report from Griffith University on how to handle ongoing algal bloom in the Mermaid Waters freshwater lake.

Lake Hugh Muntz has been beset by blue green algae.

“I’ll not only advocate for a new management plan but I’ll be reaching out to the Lake Hugh Muntz Care Group to plan an active role in its drafting and implementation,” Mr Revere said.

SUSPECTED BLOOM FOUND IN GOLD COAST WATERWAY

“I’ll be advocating to the mayor for a new divisional budget to include operational costs for Lake Hugh Muntz. This budget would hope to include costs to implement several suggestions made by the care group – sand capping, Phoslock treatment, solutions regarding aquatic vegetation and management solutions for the 16 pipe outlets such as a trial of a one-way valve.”

Zac Revere, who’s running for council elections on the Gold Coast, supports a funding and management plan for Lake Hugh Muntz.

Mr Revere supports the topping up of Phoslock – a modified clay which binds the nutrients which algae needs to grow – as a temporary measure but it “was not a final fix”.

Candidate Cathy Osborne said she would seek funding to support the findings from the Griffith University research and introduce “rejuvenation work”.

PLANS TO FAST-TRACK FUNDING FOR TRAM EXTENSION

“To date this hasn’t happened to any great extent. Without proper funding, what I or the other candidates say would be just hot air,” she said.

Lake Hugh Muntz has taken on a green tinge.

“I have worked so hard to get answers for our suburb and will continue to be a thorn in the side of council until this problem is resolved. Lake Hugh Muntz residents deserve better and I’m committed to delivering that.”

Councillor Pauline Young said she supported a number of measures including a Phoslock top-up.

Kurrawa nippers and cadets pictured during training in Lake Hugh Muntz when the water quality was much better.

“I will endeavour to work with the Lake Hugh Muntz community group to investigate ideas which have merit, whilst weighing up the different needs for lake residents, sporting groups-clubs as well as environmental considerations,” she said.

“There are always ways for improvement with safety being paramount.”