: News Article

Lake Paluma on track for Sept opening

28/09/2002

Work on the new look Lake Paluma recreation and camping ground is on track for an official opening on September 20.

NQ Water commissioned more than half a million dollars worth of projects during the off-season to minimise the impact on recreational activities.

Around $300,000 was being spent improving facilities. This would both boost the local tourism industry and encourage more family visitation, said NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton.

"While this work is outside the core responsibilities of NQ Water, the Board feels that as a local authority, it has community service obligations to help provide a certain standard of facilities, said Mr Hamilton.

"To that end, each two campsites will share a barbecue and there will be dedicated boat ramps to replace the ad hoc arrangements that have existed in the past.

"State of the art toilet blocks are being built and roads are being resurfaced to help access."
Other works are aimed at protecting the natural heritage of the area and include traffic mitigation, drainage works, erosion protection and re-vegetation.

A range of civil and structural works is also being completed, said Mr Hamilton.

"Bridges have been sandblasted and painted and the intake tower is being upgraded," he said.

"The work presents a public hazard and we have discouraged visits to the area for the duration.

"Everything is progressing to schedule and we look forward to opening the new Lake Paluma facilities to the public in September."

Visitors could make bookings either on the NQ Water website at nqwater.com.au, or by phoning NQ Water on 4726 0000.

© 2004 NQ Water