: News Article

Lake Paluma closed to boating

14/11/2002

Lake Paluma will be closed to motorised craft from Monday 18 November due to possible threats to public safety as a result of the lowering water level.
The lake is one of the bulk water assets owned and managed by NQ Water. It supplies about 20 percent of demand from Townsville and Thuringowa.

The capacity of the dam is running at around 60 percent which represents about two years supply, given normal rainfall.

NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton said the move was a precaution for the safety of users.

"As the level of the dam falls, the trees that were felled during construction of the dam may become exposed," said Mr Hamilton.

"Public safety is our first priority and while this more may be inconvenient to the boating public, we are not prepared to accept possible injury.

"There are precedents for this move. The Board has had to defend civil action from injuries on Lake Paluma."

The restrictions apply only to motorised craft including water ski boats and jet skis and will remain in place until further notice said Mr Hamilton.

"We will re-open again when the dam becomes safe," he said. "That is not likely to be until the level of the dam increases with substantial rainfall."

A new internet site accommodating bookings was introduced in September and all customers with existing bookings after November 18 have been advised of the restrictions.

Those with bookings over Christmas and New Year can pre-empt a change in conditions and retain their place on the booking schedule.

Paluma Dam was built as the major water supply for Townsville and Thuringowa in the 1950s.

Contact:
Ian Hamilton can be reached for comment on 0418 777 284.
Media liaison Robert Dark is on 0417 623 156.
Ian is available for comment at 12:30 today at Seagulls Resort.

© 2003 NQ Water