New level for Bill Gunn Dam

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New level for Bill Gunn Dam
Posted  17 April 2014     - Seqwater

Seqwater is set to embark on the next phase of its Dam Improvement Program across South East Queensland, with Bill Gunn Dam (Lake Dyer) west of Laidley to be lowered.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Peter Scott said the program was about ensuring the region’s dams continued to meet the latest standards.

Mr Scott said like all dam owners across Australia, Seqwater was required to meet the guidelines issued by the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD).

“Seqwater will establish a new temporary Full Supply Level for Bill Gunn Dam, approximately 90% of the dam’s capacity.”

Mr Scott said Bill Gunn Dam supplies water to farmers in the Central Lockyer irrigation scheme.

“Bill Gunn Dam currently at 79% capacity and is regularly below 90% so the change will not have a major impact on irrigation supplies.

 “For the same reason, the change will not impact existing recreation uses or constrain options proposed as part of Seqwater’s recreation review.

The dam is filled by diverted flows from Laidley Creek. To maintain the new temporary Full Supply Level, Seqwater will stop diverting water to the dam if it reaches 90%.

“Seqwater has written to irrigators in the Central Lockyer Water Supply Scheme to outline the plans for Bill Gunn Dam. Information about the program at Bill Gunn and other dams is also available on the Seqwater website.”

Mr Scott said the region’s dams were essential public assets, providing drinking water and flood mitigation to communities and irrigation water to farmers, as well as recreation facilities.

“Bill Gunn is just one of a number of dams being lowered or upgraded. We’ve already lowered Cooloolabin and Nindooinbah dams and an upgrade of Maroon Dam is underway, with works scheduled to start at Moogerah Dam in June.

“The Dam Improvement Program has been prioritised to ensure a staged and well planned program of works, which ensures security of water supply at the best value for money,’’ he said.

The community can keep up-to-date with the Program on the Seqwater website or subscribe to e-updates to receive latest updates by email. For more information visit seqwater.com.au/damimprovement, or contact Seqwater at communications@seqwater.com.au or on 1800 771 497. Sorry, only registered users can see this content. Please Login or Register.