Researchers from the University of Sydney visited Wagga in April to survey the algae-ridden lake in the hope of receiving a $150,000 NSW Environmental Research Grant to fund the study.

Associate Professor Ali Abbas and his team intended to create their own impressive wireless sensor technology capable of monitoring the Lake’s nutrient load, which would ultimately help to control future algal blooms.

However, Associate Professor Abbas and his team were recently informed that the project had not made the cut for state funding. 

While the algae has settled down during the cooler months, Wagga City Council’s director of commercial operations, Caroline Angel, said her team were still looking for ways to address the problem ahead of next summer.

“Council staff have been investigating a range of options, including looking at additional ways to increase the water level and also ways to manage the nutrient load of the water,” Ms Angel said.

“These are still high-level concepts currently being investigated to assess how effective they may be in improving the lake’s water quality.”

One of those options includes harvesting stormwater from the Tatton Drain into Lake Albert; Ms Angel said that project was getting closer to becoming a reality.

“The designs, costings, and modelling for the Tatton stormwater catchment project are complete,” she said.

“The project is estimated to cost approximately $1 million, and council is now looking at grants and other funding opportunities.”

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