April 28, 2020
UPDATE April 30: South Burnett Regional Council has stated swimming won’t be allowed.
Bjelke-Petersen and Boondooma Dam recreation areas will re-open for day use this weekend.
Sunwater announced on Tuesday that its recreation areas, dams, lakes and weirs would re-open from 11:59pm on Friday night.
People will be able to visit the dams, have a picnic, fish, swim, go boating or water ski-ing.
However, current social distancing guidelines will still apply and people must only visit dams within a 50km radius of their homes.
Camping is not permitted.
The decision follows the State Government’s announcement to ease some stay-at-home restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 public health crisis.
The ruling also affects Beardmore, Burdekin Falls, Callide, Cania, Coolmunda, Eungella, Fairbairn, Fred Haigh, Julius, Kinchant, Kroombit, Leslie, Paradise, Peter Faust, Teemburra, Tinaroo Falls and Wuruma dams.
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South Burnett Regional Council has advised that Bjelke-Petersen Dam and Lake Boondooma will be open between 6:00am-6:00pm from May 2 for fishing and boating activities only.
The gates will be locked at the end of each day.
Current social distancing guidelines and the requirement to stay within 50km will apply. Camping is not permitted.
One boat ramp together with one public amenity block nearest to the boat ramp will be available for use.
Restrictions remain on swimming, camping and some facilities – barbecues, campgrounds, kiosks and fuel will remain closed.
The LDMG, in conjunction with the Queensland Police Service will be strictly enforcing these restrictions.
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Toowoomba Regional Council has advised that Cressbrook Dam and Cooby Dam will remain closed to the public despite the easing of State Government’s restrictions.
Perseverance Dam will re-open to the public for picnicking; however, water access will remain restricted to Perseverance Aquatic Club members only.
Cr Tim McMahon said Cressbrook and Cooby dams remain closed to recreational use due to continued elevated levels of algae or algal toxins in the water.
[UPDATED]
