A toxic algal bloom at Jackadder Lake in Perth’s north has left a local model sailing club venue-less, with the group calling on the City of Stirling for answers.  

The City of Stirling closed the lake in January after testing revealed the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.

It was one of three algae detections in local lakes as the city battles warm weather.

Perth Radio Sailing Club commodore Bruce Quail says he was told to cease all activities at the lake until further notice, leaving the 55-member club dead in the water.  

“Nobody is allowed to have contact with the water, primarily ourselves, because we are the ones who use it the most,” he says.  

“There is a danger as we gather on the windward side of the lake that the spores in the air from the blue-green algae can flow into our lungs.” 

Radio controlled sailing is a competitive or recreational hobby where radio transmitters are used to control model sailboats from the shore, with races often held in lakes or ponds in a similar fashion to traditional full-size sailing. 

Mr Quail says the club’s regular events provide a strong sense of community for members, many of whom are retired.

“We enjoy the camaraderie it brings and the fact that we are, or we consider ourselves, a men’s shed,” he says.

“Our average age is in the region of 80-years-old, of course predominantly made up of retired sailors.”

With the lake still closed, Mr Quail is frustrated with the lack of action.

“They say they are testing on a weekly basis but we have not been able to determine whether it’s increasing, decreasing, or whether they have a solution for it,” he says.

In the meantime, Mr Quail has asked the City of Stirling for access to other locations.

“That way we could at least keep the cohesion of our members together and give them the mental benefits that we provide through this regular meeting,” he says.

“We have not received a response as yet and that’s been three or four weeks now.”

Further south near Rockingham, members of the Harrington Waters Radio Sailors continue to meet weekly, despite the threat of a similar algae occurrence looming.

“Water quality can be a concern at times [but] it’s not too bad at the moment, just a bit murky,” says Harrington sailor Mark Eaton.

“I guess we’d have to sail somewhere else if it happens, which would be annoying.”

Murdoch University algal bloom expert Cherono Kwambai believes toxic blooms will become more common across the city.

“Climate has something to do with it; the increase in temperature makes the water more suitable for these algae blooms,” she says.

“I think it’s going to just go up from here.”

The City of Stirling did not respond to a request for comment.