More than two and a half million people visit Seqwater recreation sites each year. With December marking the start of summer and school holidays, Seqwater expects to see an increase in visitors rushing to the region’s lakes and dams to enjoy a ripple of activities.
While recreation options are tailored to the lake and conditions, whether you’re looking for a spot to swim, paddle, boat, fish or enjoy the great outdoors, South East Queensland’s lakes and dams have something for many fun adventures.
To help keep the fun alive during this busy period, Seqwater is urging visitors to remember five simple tips; always swim in the designated areas, keep an eye on the kids, wear the right life jacket, look out for hidden hazards such as submerged objects and always keep a safe distance and speed when boating and jet skiing.
Seqwater has invested more than six million dollars enhancing and maintaining recreation sites across 2022 and 2023 to ensure facilities are provided to care for catchment and community needs.
The investment spans operations and maintenance expenditure such as cleaning and waste management, mowing, vegetation management and security, plus a raft of accessibility and inclusivity upgrades including wastewater systems, road enhancements, trails and picnic facilities.
RECREATION SITE ENHANCEMENTS DELIVERED IN 2022 AND 2023 INCLUDE:
| Ewen Maddock Dam | Accessible gates installed in collaboration with Spinal Life Australia |
| Gold Creek Dam | New shelters installed |
| Hinze Dam |
Accessible gates installed in collaboration with Spinal Life Australia Extensive repairs and reopening of Hinze Dam Mountain Bike trails following damage caused by heavy rainfall in 2022 – ongoing |
| Baroon Pocket Dam | New $350,000 footbridge installed to replace the old bridge following damage caused by heavy rainfall in 2022 |
| Lake Manchester | Accessible gates installed in collaboration with Spinal Life Australia |
| Maroon Dam | New picnic shelter installed |
| Somerset Dam | Road widening project completed at The Spit Day Use Area to provide safer entry and exit to the popular skiing lake |
| Wivenhoe Dam |
Atkinsons Crossing paddle craft launch point reopened to the public following damage caused by heavy rainfall in 2022 Installation of new shelter and BBQ facilities has commenced at O’Sheas Crossing – due for completion late 2023 |
| Wyaralong Dam | Accessible gates installed in collaboration with Spinal Life Australia |
With warmer months on the horizon, Seqwater anticipates an uptick in visitor numbers to top off an already strong year as families, friends and adventurists seek recreation activities in the great outdoors.
RECREATION AREA VISITORS 1 JANUARY 2023 TO 24 NOVEMBER 2023:
| Atkinson Dam | 56,205 | Maroon Dam | 64,422 |
| Baroon Pocket Dam | 152,571 | Lake Macdonald | 7,797 |
| Lake Dyer | 78,231 | Lake Moogerah | 101,079 |
| Borumba Dam | 80,631 | North Pine Dam | 327,063 |
| Enoggera Reservoir | 86,778 | Somerset Dam | 353,352 |
| Hinze Dam | 293,070 | Wappa Dam | 59,763 |
| Lake Kurwongbah | 41,673 | Wivenhoe Dam | 488,310 |
| Lake Manchester | 15,027 | Wyaralong Dam | 12,129 |
| Ewen Maddock Dam | 244,890 |
Seqwater Catchment Compliance Officers actively work to keep recreation sites safe and enjoyable for all. Since 1 January 2023, Seqwater has had more than 1,100 land based and marine patrol interactions including for: marine speeding, operating a personal watercraft without a licence or observer, unregistered vessels and not carrying the required safety equipment.
While Seqwater will continue patrols over summer, visitors are encouraged to take personal responsibility and Play It Safe over the busy period.
Quotes attributable to Water Minister, Glenn Butcher:
“While we know people are eager to explore the great outdoors, it’s important to be vigilant when it comes to your safety and the safety of those around you.
“I’m urging Queenslanders to prioritise responsible water recreation to keep the fun alive around our stunning recreation spots this summer.
“By remembering Seqwater’s five simple tips, we can help ensure everyone gets home safe.”
Quotes attributable to Seqwater General Manager Customer, Strategy & Planning, Ross Muir:
“It’s important we prioritise safety over the busy summer season so as not to spoil the fun.
“We’re encouraging everyone to remember five simple tips; always swim in the designated areas, keep an eye on the kids, wear the right life jacket, look out for hidden hazards such as submerged objects and always keep a safe distance and speed when boating and jet skiing.
“It’s also important to check your watercraft equipment, stay alert for unpredictable weather events and visit the Seqwater website to know the rules at each dam or lake prior to visiting.”
