Canberra’s lakes might just look like a nice backdrop for walks, runs, or sunset pics but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Dr Fiona Dyer, freshwater scientist and Professor of Water Science at the University of Canberra, joined Barrett and Hannah on The Real Radio Show to unpack what’s really happening with our local waterways, and why we should actually care.
Dr Dyer explained that issues in lakes like Lake Burley Griffin and Lake Tuggeranong mostly come down to what flows into them. Urban runoff, polluted stormwater, and warming temperatures all make it harder to keep water clean and safe, especially as climate change increases the risk of blue‑green algae blooms. The good news? Small actions matter. Dr Dyer stressed that looking after your own “patch” (like keeping drains clear and rubbish out of gutters) genuinely helps protect lakes for swimming, kayaking, and just cooling off on a hot Canberra day. Her message was pretty clear: if any city can make a difference, it’s Canberra.
Listen to the full interview below:
