Toxic algae shuts down Lake Hugh Muntz

Frustrated Mermaid Waters residents says council doesn’t have a “Plan B” to save a popular swimming lake impacted by toxic blue green algae. Read more.

Frustrated Mermaid Waters residents says council doesn’t have a “Plan B” to save a popular swimming lake impacted by toxic blue green algae.

Lake Hugh Muntz has been closed since January 25.

According to residents the closure was “expected” as a Phoslock treatment issued for August 2023 never occurred.

John McManus and division 12 candidate Cathy Osborne check the condition of Luke Hugh Muntz. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Gold Coast City Council confirmed in a community newsletter that it was unable to secure a provider for the algae treatment.

Concerns have been raised about dogs suffering from ear infections, bad smells omitting from the lake and rashes on swimmers prior to the area being closed.

Residents say they are fed up with the ongoing confusion surrounding the lake.

John McManus has lived in the area for over 20 years.

“We’re a community that just want to enjoy the lifestyle that we’ve had to pay for and that lifestyle is enhanced by the lake,” Mr McManus said.

“As a community we feel incredibly let down because of lack of consultation and lack of communication.”

Aerial of Lake Hugh Muntz on the Gold Coast.

Division 12 candidate Cathy Osborne said the lake’s purpose had been “redefined” leaving the community with more questions than answers.

“When you look back historically you can see it has been a recreational training area communities have enjoyed for years,” she said.

“These closures (for algae) started about 10 years ago and all of a sudden the definition then gets changed. I had a meeting with Council recently where the water body said it’s actually a borrow pit – a drainage of stormwater into a body of water to mitigate flooding in the area.

“Stakeholders have been in this area for a long time and have invested a lot in rates – what are they getting for their return? Particularly when this lake is such an important part of this community’s lifestyle.

Division 12 candidate Cathy Osborne and John McManus check the condition of Luke Hugh Muntz. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“People purchased on this lake believing it was an accessible lake for recreational activities – now they’re saying ‘no it’s just a borrow pit’.

“Well their rates don’t reflect that. They’re paying some of the most premium rates here on the Coast.”

Mr McManus said: “One moment we’re being told it’s not designed for swimming, the next it’s safe for swimming.

“Modify the lake so people can use it – even if it’s only for summer. The alternate is it becomes a giant, smelly lilypond.”

Gold Coast City Council and Division 12 councillor Pauline Young were both contacted for comment.