NQ Water is due to sign a permit giving Townsville Ski Club two years access to the dam.

It was an example of NQ water working in the interests of customers for outcomes that ultimately improve the lifestyle of the community, said NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton.

"Our ultimate priority is to protect the quality of the water in the dam", Mr Hamilton said. "We are also conscious that the water we manage complements recreational activities that make the twin cities such a great place to live."

"The Board has elected to trial water skiing and has issued a permit after appeals from the ski club and extensive community consultation."

The decision has prompted NQ Water to increase monitoring and enforce strict compliance measures to ensure that the club is meeting standards, said Mr Hamilton.

"NQ Water has taken appropriate measures to protect water quality," he said. "Our rangers will be vigilant in enforcing the permit conditions."

"We have also introduced facilities, such as a contained area for handling fuel and a wash down facility, to further minimise the risk of any impact.

" During the trial period we will also conduct testing on the bed and the body of the dam to test for traces of pollutants.

"NQ Water follows the strictest national and international standards on water quality. In the end we would not allow skiing on the dam at all if we felt the increased risk was not almost immeasurable."

Attention Penny Lynch:
Ian Hamilton can be contacted for comment on 0418 777 284. For further information ring Media Liaison Robert Dark on 0417 623 156.

© 2004 NQ Water