Wivenhoe Dam opened up to recreation

[Member]

Media Statements

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
 The Honourable Campbell Newman

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
 The Honourable Mark McArdle

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Wivenhoe Dam opened up to recreation

Restricted fuel-powered boats will be allowed at Wivenhoe Dam and there will be new access points for fishing and canoeing at Somerset Dam following the most extensive recreation review of south-east Queensland’s lakes and catchments ever undertaken.

Premier Campbell Newman joined Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington and Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann today to launch new recreation guides for Lakes Wivenhoe, Somerset and Atkinson.

Mr Newman said with summer almost here and hotter days ahead, some of our great lakes could become the next place to escape and cool down.

“These lakes are some of our most beautiful locations and present so many options that haven’t previously been explored,” Mr Newman said.

“They were under-utilised by the former Labor Government, which didn’t understand the potential of the lakes and how to make use of it.

“We are determined to drive regional economic growth by making the most of our natural resources and ensuring we open up recreation opportunities and tourism, as we promised at the election.

“The review has had to balance providing these new opportunities for the region, while also ensuring no adverse impact on water quality or the immediate catchment around those dams.”

Key recreation changes for Wivenhoe, Somerset and Atkinson Dams include:
•The introduction of restricted fuel-powered boats at Wivenhoe. Vessels with low emission engines travelling at a maximum speed of six knots will be allowed this summer
•New northern access points at Somerset Dam for fishing and canoeing
•New walking trails around Wivenhoe Dam
•New stop-off points for paddle craft around Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams
•A new designated swimming area at Atkinson Dam



Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark McArdle said it was very important to understand many recreation lakes across the region were also drinking water storages.

“Seqwater has made an assessment that this new activity can be managed without impacting on water quality,” Mr McArdle said.

“It is also important to note that drinking water goes through an exhaustive treatment process before it comes out of a tap.

Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said she was delighted that people in her electorate would be able to have more recreational use of the water assets they ultimately own.

“I have been campaigning for a long time to open up these waterways so I’m so pleased with today’s announcement,” Ms Frecklington said.

“These are already popular destinations to visit, but these new changes will bring even more tourists to the area and be an absolute boon for all the businesses and communities around the dams.”

Mr Newman said the new user friendly guides being launched today showcased the outstanding recreation on offer at Wivenhoe, Somerset and Atkinson Dams.

“To date, about one third of the region’s 23 lakes have been reviewed, with more than 2,000 organisations and individuals having a say on what they would like to see on and around the lakes,” he said.

“The broader recreation review is ongoing and I encourage south-east Queenslanders to get involved by visiting Seqwater’s website for details, before the review is finalised by September 2014.”



[ENDS] 26 November 2013