July 27, 2017
Concerns that Gordonbrook Dam’s recreation area could be permanently closed and its toilet block demolished appear to be unfounded.
Some Wooroolin residents became upset this week when they heard the South Burnett Regional Council was considering shutting the dam’s recreation area down.
The Council had also listed demolition of the toilet as one of its second round of Works For Queensland projects.
But on Thursday South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell downplayed the issue.
The Mayor said the Council’s main concern was the dam’s recreation reserve being used by overnight campers.
Given the dam has to be periodically closed due to outbreaks of blue-green algae, this raised public health concerns.
“We initially thought that if we removed the on-site toilet, the lack of amenities would help discourage campers,” the Mayor said.
However, he believed upgrading the car parking area with bollards might be enough to achieve the same outcome “so it’s likely the original idea will be reviewed”.
The Mayor said there had been some discussion about removing some of the toilet’s equipment and reusing it elsewhere in the region until it was found the Besser block building’s toilets were a “worm driven, eco-friendly” dry system that could not be re-sited elsewhere.
Local resident Noel Weller told southburnett.com.au the toilet had been built by the Wooroolin Lions “so long ago I can’t remember” with the involvement of former Kingaroy Shire councillor Allan Wieden.
“It was built to be very low maintenance so Council wouldn’t have to spend any money on it, and we built it out of besser blocks so it would last,” Noel said.
He said over the years the Wooroolin Lions had played an active role in developing many of the dam’s facilities, and many locals would be very sad if the dam was permanently closed.
“People go there to birdwatch, bushwalk or have picnics. It’s a lovely place and when it’s open there’s always someone there,” Noel said.
“When I was younger I used to take my own family there for a bit of fishing or a picnic, and it is a really great place to go.”
Noel also dismissed concerns about blue-green algae.
“No one can tell me the last time anyone in Australia died or got sick because of blue-green algae,” he said.
“All our dams have blue-green algae outbreaks from time to time. Yes, Gordonbrook may be the worst but I think it’s a bit overhyped.
“They don’t close Boondooma or BP Dam when they have outbreaks there, so I don’t think Gordonbrook is getting fairly treated.”
Blue-green algae blooms in Gordonbrook Dam could also decrease following the multi-million dollar upgrade of the Kingaroy Wastewater Treatment plant.
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[UPDATED with correction. Fishing is prohibited at Gordonbrook Dam. Originally published as “Dam Closure A No-Goer”. ]
I am appalled that the SBRC would even think of closing or deterring visitors from any venue in the beautiful South Burnett. I totally agree with Noel’s comments.
Does the council realize that the Boondooma Dam fish stocking group also stock Gordonbrook with $40k worth of fingerling put in this year?
When you start to see dead birds and fish floating, then we have a real problem with blue-green algae.