Dynamic Study at Currimundi Lake

Griffith Centre for Coastal Management (GCCM) and the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) have begun field work on Currimundi Lake as part of the Lake Currimundi Dynamics Study.

Council has initiated the project and engaged the universities to work in partnership to establish a framework for an adaptive management approach to lake management and set out an implementation plan that is flexible and effective initially, and be developed into a more sophisticated system.

According to Divisional Councillor Keryn Jones, there has been growing community concern over the state of Currimundi Lake and the condition of the entrance.

“These concerns have primarily focused on biting midge problems, water quality, entrance management and bank erosion,” said Cr Jones. “Also of concern is the impact of the connection of the artificial Lake Kawana into Currimundi.”

“Before appropriate management strategies can be adopted for the lake, it is important to understand the dynamics of the lake and the changes that have occurred over time, so we fully support the work being done by the Coastal Management group and the university,” she said.

Research will include regular tidal height measurements using four tidal gauges. Water quality and velocity testing will also be done every two to three days to relate the degree of flushing in the lake and the effect it has on the lake’s water quality.

The research carries on from preliminary testing in July 2007 by GCCM prior to the construction of the wading pool at the entrance of Lake Currimundi. Background information on the lake was also collected by the Caloundra City Council and several community groups.