So what happened to Lake access?

[Member]

So what happened to the promised access for paddlers to Lake Clarendon? It only needs a set of bolt cutters to cut the chain on the gate for it to happen. So after close to six months Minister, what is happening??

Media Statements
 

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
 The Honourable Mark McArdle

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Lockyer Valley lakes to offer greater recreation choices

Families in the Lockyer Valley will have more opportunities for recreation, with two popular lakes to be opened up under new guidelines released today.

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said paddlers and anglers will now be able to use Lake Clarendon, while Lake Dyer is to have a designated swimming zone.

“The Queensland Government has a strong plan to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy and recognising leisure opportunities in the Lockyer Valley delivers on that election promise,” Mr McArdle said.

“Labor failed to realise the true potential of these wonderful spaces and let Queensland families down by limiting access to them.”

The new recreation guides for Lakes Clarendon and Dyer are based on community feedback to Seqwater’s recreation review, the most extensive ever undertaken in south east Queensland.

Mr McArdle said lake users have said they are generally happy with the mix of recreation activities but extra facilities would allow more visitors to enjoy the lakes.

Member for Lockyer Ian Rickuss said a designated launch point for paddle craft will be established at Lake Clarendon in conjunction with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council.

“Fishing will also be permitted on the lake once the launch point is established, while access for bird watchers will also be improved,” Mr Rickuss said.

“Strong support for a designated swimming area at neighbouring Lake Dyer would be accommodated with the establishment of a zone away from the boat ramp in time for summer.

“A walking trail adjacent to the dam wall will also be investigated.”

Since mid-2013 more than 3700 people have had their say on the Seqwater recreation review through community information sessions and workshops, as well as the online surveys.

Mr McArdle said only three dams in the south east Queensland region are still under review.

“Seqwater is currently seeking community feedback on recreation at Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast, while public consultation for Lakes Borumba and Macdonald on the Sunshine Coast has just closed. Recreation guides for these lakes will be released before the end of the year.”

The recreation guides and management plan for Lakes Clarendon and Dyer can be found at www.seqwater.com.au/recreview (external site).

[ENDS] 26 June 2014

Attached images: 
- a still chained gate
- view of the lake from recreation area

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[Member]

Oh, did you want it this year? 

[Member]

Gee that would be like the north Pine access, the Leslie Harrison access, and oh dont forget, Baroon has been closed for a year now......

Dont you worry about that........ we are to busy slipping a few rule changes through without consultation to placate our greenie mates who think redclaw traps drown platypus.......

[Member]

This was in the Newsletter sent out today:

More improvements coming your way in 2015
As the 2014 year is drawing to a close, and Christmas is just around the corner, the Recreation Team at Seqwater are working hard to deliver on a number of outcomes at various lakes around South East Queensland. 2015 will be a big year for the delivery of recreational improvements, with a number of outcomes on track for implementation in early 2015.
•   Meebun Trailhead upgrade at Lake Wyaralong including a new car park and toilets. This will provide
additional car parking and access closer to the start of the trail network.
•   Approximately 10km of multi-use trails on the western side of Lake Samsonvale. The trails are due to be opened in early 2015 and will be available to walkers, trail runners, horse riders and mountain bikers.
•   Lake Clarendon will see a paddle craft launch point and a bird watching trail established. Fishing will be permitted once the paddle craft launch point is completed.
•   Designated ‘stop off points’ will be established around Lake Wivenhoe, allowing boaties and paddlers to access land around the lake for rest breaks.

The bottom one is a suggestion I put to SEQWater at one of the public meetings.  They hadn't considered what people were supposed to do toilet wise when they were an hour away from an access point.