June 21, 2013
South Burnett residents have been invited to have their say as part of a review of recreation in south-east Queensland dams.
Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle this week released a discussion paper on the future recreation options for Wivenhoe, Somerset and Atkinson dams.
Mr McArdle also officially reopened a popular tourist site – the Spillway Common below Wivenhoe Dam – following extensive damage which occurred during the January 2011 floods.
The repair work also included improving access for paddle craft below the dam wall.
Mr McArdle said Seqwater had finalised its schedule for public consultation after receiving positive feedback from councils and key stakeholders about the timeframes.
“These recreation areas are public spaces and we want to hear from everyone involved – from the visitors to the people who live adjacent to the recreation areas,” Mr McArdle said.
“The community will be able to get involved by attending public information sessions and workshops, accessing information on Seqwater’s website and participating in online surveys.”
Mr McArdle said it was important to understand many of the recreation dams across the region were drinking water storages.
“The review will need to balance the diversity of recreation activities against ensuring no adverse impact on water quality or the immediate catchment around those dams,” he said.
The review will include the development of recreation site master plans for clusters of dams across the region detailing allowable activities, available facilities, management rules and guidelines.
The survey is available online.
Information days and workshops for Wivenhoe, Somerset and Atkinson dams will also run from June 29 to July 13.
