Local residents have even gone so far as to warn of toxic blue-green algae blooms at Mannus Lake Dam. So, understandably, they’ve been passionately pressing for the dam’s removal. Since 2017, residents such as activist and musician John Williams have drawn attention to the plight. They are equally alarmed by the appearance of blue-green algae blooms in the water, which can cause severe illness in humans and animals. With an estimated cost of $13 million to demolish it, the debate over the dam’s future is heating up.
Over the past few years, the algae blooms have become an annual issue in Mannus Lake Dam. The fish kill was followed by a bloom of blue-green algae confirmed by tests in 2017. This new strain of bacteria generally prefers hot, still water. The state’s failure to address the issue has led to rampant health concerns among residents. Charlotte McColl has been hit the hardest – experiencing a range of debilitating health issues since her exposure to the contaminated water. Yet her experience with disability has been one full of fatigue, respiratory infections, joint pain, and crippling brain fog.
Health Impacts of Blue-Green Algae
Charlotte McColl’s experience has shined a much-needed light on the possible health effects of blue-green algae exposure. Since 2017, she experienced a neurotoxic volley of symptoms that corroded her quality of life. Leigh McColl, her husband, is convinced that Charlotte’s previous declining health is due in part to their exposure to the algae bloom.
In 2024, a naturopath based in Western Australia diagnosed Charlotte with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This diagnosis further confirmed Leigh’s fears of the health hazards of algae blooms.
“We just thought it was growing pains,” – Leigh McColl
As an example, in 2018 Dr. Mitrovic undertook a study for the Snowy Valleys Council. He pointed out that the algae constitutes a clear and present danger to anyone who comes into contact with the water, including humans and animals. His analysis shows that the conditions at Mannus Lake Dam are perfect for algae blooms.
“At that time, it did coincide with more algae blooms,” – Dr Mitrovic
Environmental Concerns
Prominence on the environmental impact of blue-green algae has been a major rallying point for local residents. Yola Cox Tooma resident Yola Cox has witnessed a drastic decline of wildlife in the area around Mannus Creek. She recalls the days when the creek was a reliable drinking water source for her family. Beyond irrigation, it was crucial to supplying life-giving water for their animals.
“We used to use it as drinking water. All my children grew up on the Mannus Creek water, and so did all of my animals,” – Yola Cox
The steep fall in wildlife should be alarming. People are starting to ask whether the dam is even worth the money if it can’t guarantee safe drinking water. Residents argue that converting the dam into a wetland could mitigate the algae problem while preserving recreational opportunities in the area.
“There will still be swimming, fishing, everything will be here, and it would be a lot better area,” – John Williams
The Path Forward
As negotiations over the future of Mannus Lake Dam play out, local interests are considering their options. Dr. Mitrovic explained that his team needed to wait for “a low inflow period” in order to be able to accurately test and evaluate possible solutions. This kind of careful consideration highlights the complexity involved in addressing blue-green algae blooms.
Blue-green algae outbreaks are becoming more frequent and widespread across Australia, with the hot, still conditions of summer creating the perfect environment for its bloom. Residents hope that their advocacy and participation will result in tangible action that will help decide the future of the dam.
Another community member, Roger Paton, spent years working toward this resolution and said he was hopeful an agreement could be found.
“Let’s hope common sense prevails in the end,” – Roger Paton
