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General News

10 February, 2019

Joy for locals as Dam exceeds 100% capacity


Joy for locals as Dam exceeds 100% capacity - feature photo

TINAROO Dam became one of a number of dams across North Queensland to have gone over in recent weeks as it exceeded 100% capacity at approximately 10:30am on Sunday.

The dam hasn’t reached 100% since March of 2012, and there appears to be a strong sense of optimism from residents, farmers and business owners that it will bring a considerable economic boost to the region.

One such business that is expecting to reap the benefits of the significant dam levels is Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park.

“To say we’re excited is an understatement,” Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park Manager Leah O’Connor said.

“We’ve had a couple of lean years recently so hopefully the dam levels will mean for an uptick in business.

“There are so many boats out the front here which is a great sign, and this team wasn’t here when the dam last went over in 2012, so it’s a welcome change and it’s added a lot of buzz to the area.”

The positive sentiment expressed by Ms O’Connor about the dam’s water levels was shared by that of Queensland’s leading commercial water supplier SunWater.

“We are pleased to see further inflows into Tinaroo Falls Dam,” a SunWater spokesperson said.

“This is extremely good news for our customers, particularly irrigators who will benefit from increased water availability.”

The spokesperson said that although water levels continue to rise, it is difficult to say how long the dam will continue to spill.

“There are a number of factors that contribute to water levels receding, which include; the volume of inflows into the dam, customer demand for water, evaporation and water releases required for downstream environmental obligations,” they said.

“Therefore, it is extremely difficult to predict future water levels.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the Tinaroo Dam going over for the first time in seven years, SunWater was quick to point out some of the dangers associated with such high water levels.

“We want everyone to stay safe, so please avoid potential hazards such as fast flowing water, debris and deep water near waterways,” the spokesperson said.

“Remember if it’s flooded, forget it.”

For those in the region who want to monitor storage levels and receive alerts regarding outflow, you can visit their website at www.sunwater.com.au.

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