
Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project
Seqwater is upgrading Noosa’s Lake Macdonald (Six Mile Creek) Dam as part of its Dam Improvement Program. Construction is underway.
About the project
Across Queensland and Australia, there are multiple dam upgrades occurring to meet modern engineering standards.
Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program is ensuring its dams comply with the latest safety standards and continue to function safely during extreme weather events in line with regulatory requirements.
The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project will include constructing a temporary upstream cofferdam, a new spillway and reconstructing the existing earth embankments.
We are proud to be partnered with John Holland as the major construction contractor for this essential project.
The enhancements will not only improve water supply reliability but also bolster the dam’s ability to manage extreme weather conditions, ensuring regulatory compliance now and in the future.
Early site establishment began in November 2024, with main construction activities now underway. The project is anticipated to take around five years to complete, depending on weather and site conditions.
Project update
Early site establishment began in November 2024, with main construction works now underway. Lake lowering transitioned to a larger siphon system in late May 2025, and will continue lowering the lake to the 42% level.
Construction on the temporary upstream cofferdam is concurrent with ongoing lake lowering.
The purpose of the upstream cofferdam is to provide a temporary wall to allow dewatering of the enclosed area between the cofferdam and the existing dam wall, providing a safer work area to demolish the existing dam wall.
The cofferdam also allows water to remain in the dam, minimising impacts on aquatic life and allowing some recreational activities to continue where safe and practical to do so.
The cofferdam is being built to meet industry standards as set out by the Dam Safety Regulator. Public access to the cofferdam is not permitted and an exclusion zone is in place.
More information on the lake lowering and cofferdam construction activities is available here.
The entire construction process, from building the cofferdam to its removal after the new dam wall is complete, is anticipated to take around five years, depending on weather and site conditions. Key activities will include:
- Vibratory piling
- Concrete and rock breaking
- Earthworks
- Concrete pours
- Rock filling.
Please note that the construction schedule is subject to change based on environmental and operational factors.
Approved working hours are:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Due to the nature of the construction, certain activities will take place outside these hours. We will notify nearby residents in advance of any such work and will outline the specific activities, expected duration and any measures in place to mitigate impacts.
Design
This image shows the new split level spillway layout, including the upper labyrinth spillway (zigzag portion of the dam wall), and the new embankment.
The design for the new dam wall at Lake Macdonald is a split-level concrete spillway. The primary 'lower ogee' spillway is set at the original lake level, and an upper labyrinth spillway for higher floods.
A labyrinth spillway is an overflow weir, zigzag in shape which creates a longer total effective length over the spillway to enable higher flows caused by large rain events. The labyrinth spillway provides an efficient means of increasing spillway capacity without raising the dam’s crest.
The earth embankments will be reconstructed to their original level on either side of the spillway.
Scour protection will be an addition, with rocks placed downstream of the spillway to prevent erosion.
An outlet tower will be constructed to the left side of the spillway which will have mechanical pipework and electrical components to facilitate both emergency release of water, to lower the dam reservoir, and environmental flows to the downstream Six Mile Creek.
At completion of the project, the new dam will have the same storage volume and full supply level as the existing dam (storage to 8,000ML).
Project scope
The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project includes:
- Lowering of the Lake Macdonald water storage to accommodate construction. Seqwater has worked to minimise this impact, with a temporary water level that will be reduced by approximately two metres, from the full supply level (technically speaking this will be at RL 93m or 42%). This water level will provide water security reliability for the Noosa community and maintain access to the lake and local ambience.
- Relocation of fish by expert fish biologists, via a purpose-built fish transport vehicle, to Cooloolabin Dam.
- Construction of a cofferdam to protect the site and manage flows in Six Mile Creek during construction.
- Demolition of the existing spillway and dam wall.
- Removal of unsuitable foundation material under the new spillway, excavating down to a rock foundation, then backfilling with mass concrete.
- Construction of a split-level concrete spillway. The primary spillway will be set at the original lake level, and an upper labyrinth spillway will be constructed for large floods.
- Removal and reconstruction of the earth embankments on either side of the primary spillway.
- Ground improvement works below the new embankments.
- Provision of a new outlet works structure to enable environmental releases downstream of the dam into Six Mile Creek.
Additional works include fish protection measures (including proposed construction of a fishway at Gympie Weir), land management activities and rehabilitation.
Upstream cofferdam
A cofferdam structure will be built to undertake the construction work safely. A cofferdam is an enclosure built within a body of water to allow the enclosed area to be pumped out or drained. The pumping creates a dry working environment so that the dam wall construction work can be carried out safely.
The cofferdam for the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project will be:
- 300 metres long
- 10 metres wide
- Approximately the same height as the current dam wall.
This is a temporary measure for dam safety during construction and once the new dam wall is complete, the cofferdam will be removed, and the dam will naturally refill to its original full supply level.
Lake lowering
Seqwater has worked to minimise environmental impacts from this project, with a revised construction methodology that will temporarily reduce the water level by approximately 2 metres, from the full supply level.
Technically speaking, Lake Macdonald will sit at about 42 per cent of its full supply level (or 93 metres).
This reduced water level will allow the construction work to safely take place. The lake will remain at this level throughout construction unless dry conditions create a naturally lower level.
The Noosa Water Treatment Plant will continue to be operated as per the annual operating strategy and the monthly operational supply schedule (currently 20ML/d on average).
Community Reference Group
In 2024, the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project re-established the Community Reference Group (CRG).
The purpose of the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project CRG is to provide a formal channel for community input on issues of relevance and highlight any local concerns that may relate to the project. The group will also assist in the dissemination of information about the project throughout the region.
The meeting notes and presentation will be published below, following each CRG meeting:
- Meeting 1:
- Meeting 2:
- Meeting 3:
Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)
The Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) specifies the requirements placed on Seqwater for the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project that will be used to enhance environmental performance and comply with environmental requirements.
Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)
The SEMP has been developed to guide the implementation of the following Construction Environmental Sub-Plans:
- Stormwater Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00002)
- Flora & Fauna (Terrestrial) Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00003)
- Lighting Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00004)
- Noise and Vibration Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00005)
- Dust and Air Quality Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00006)
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-CMS-MPL-00001)
- Flora & Fauna (Dewatering) Management Plan (LMDIP-05327-GNL-ENV-MPL-00003)
- Traffic Management Plan (LMDIP-05806-ROD-TRR-MPL-00001)
- Weed and Pest Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00009)
- Waste and Resource Use Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00008)
- Hazardous Substances Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-ENV-MPL-00007)
- Cultural Heritage Management Plan (LMDIP-05829-GNL-CHE-MPL-00001)
Contact the team
If you have any questions about the project, please see the project FAQs below, or get in contact with the project team.
Phone us 07 5472 1565
Email us [email protected]
Stay informed with project updates as this project progresses, by signing up to the newsletter subscription below.
- Project updates
- FAQs
- Resources
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Community Newsletter - August 2025
6 Aug 2025
This newsletter provides the latest project information including construction and environmental updates. To read the newsletter, click here.
Construction commences on Lake Macdonald Dam upgrade
19 Jun 2025
Seqwater has commenced construction to upgrade Lake Macdonald Dam, a key project in its Dam Improvement Program, to ensure the dam meets modern engineering and design standards to ensure it continues to operate safely and provide water security for years to come.
The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project includes construction of a temporary cofferdam, a new concrete spillway, an upper labyrinth, and the reconstruction of the existing earth embankments to enhance the dam’s ability to withstand extreme weather events.
Seqwater Executive General Manager Infrastructure Planning and Capital Delivery, Sarah Dixon, said while Lake Macdonald Dam continues to operate safely under normal conditions, Seqwater is committed to investing in the longevity of the important local water source.
“Lake Macdonald Dam was built in 1965 to the safety standards of its time, but the methods used to estimate extreme weather and flood risks have changed significantly since the dam was originally built,” she said.
“Seqwater is proud to mark a major milestone in starting construction on the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project together with our head contractor John Holland. The dam upgrade will continue to ensure long-term water supply reliability for the Sunshine Coast region,” said Dixon.
The large siphon system has been switched on and is partially lowering the lake to allow the works to be undertaken safely. Works have also commenced on the temporary upstream cofferdam, with a 250-tonne crane onsite.
More than 1,500 tonnes of sheet piles are being delivered to form the structure of the cofferdam, and more than 3,000 rock bags - each weighing approximately 8 tonnes - are being placed downstream of the cofferdam to provide additional structural support.
In addition, more than 80,000 tonnes of rockfill is being delivered to build the cofferdam.
This will be the first major upgrade of Lake Macdonald Dam since its raise in 1980. Importantly, more than 150 jobs are expected to be supported over the life of the project.
Standard work hours are Monday to Friday, from 6:30am to 6:30pm, and Saturday from 6:30am to 4:00pm. Extended work hours will be required for some construction activities, including spillway demolition.
During construction, there will be an increase in traffic around Lake Macdonald. Temporary traffic changes will occur, and traffic controllers and temporary signage will be in place when required.
Recreation activities on Lake Macdonald via Lake Macdonald Park and the Noosa Botanic Gardens will remain open, however some recreational use of the lake and surrounding areas will be temporarily closed for safety due to proximity to the construction area.
Seqwater extends its thanks to the community for their ongoing patience and support during this essential dam safety and water security upgrade and is committed to providing regular updates to keep residents informed as work progresses.
The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project is expected to take about five years to complete, weather and site conditions permitting.
To connect with a member of the Seqwater project team, email [email protected] or call 07 3432 7000 (during business hours).
To stay up to date, visit the Seqwater website.
Further Information:
Through its Dam Improvement Program, Seqwater is investing in South East Queensland’s dams to ensure they provide water security for years to come.
Since 2008, Seqwater has delivered 13 upgrades, including Leslie Harrison Dam at Capalaba, Sideling Creek Dam north of Brisbane and Ewen Maddock Dam on the Sunshine Coast.
Lake lowering and cofferdam construction update
17 Apr 2025
Project approvals for the main construction works are currently being finalised. Once approved, the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project Team will progress with transitioning to a larger siphon system and commence construction on the temporary upstream cofferdam.
More information on the upcoming works is available here.
Community Engagement Summary | March 2025
20 Mar 2025
This engagement summary provides a summary on the feedback received from the community events held in January and February 2025. To the read the summary, click here.
Community Newsletter – January 2025
20 Jan 2025
This newsletter provides the latest project information on Jan-Feb 2025 community events, the construction schedule and construction impacts. To read the newsletter, click here.
Project Update Community Newsletter - December 2024
19 Dec 2024
This newsletter provides the latest project information and project updates for the months of October-December 2024 as well as a look ahead to major construction in 2025. To read the newsletter, click here.
Invitation for submissions - Project change applications – Construction
16 Dec 2024
The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project team submitted a project change application to the Coordinator-General relating to proposed changes to the temporary cofferdam design for water security reasons.
The Coordinator-General is inviting the community to make a submission on the proposed changes to the project.
The application is available online at Six Mile Creek Dam Safety Upgrade project | State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.
Submissions open on Monday 16 December 2024 and will close on Tuesday 28 January 2025.
To make a submission, please visit:
- Online: https://haveyoursay.dsd.qld.gov.au
- Email: [email protected]
- Post: Attention: The Coordinator-General
c/- Project Manager - Six Mile Creek Dam Safety Upgrade Project
Office of the Coordinator-General
PO Box 15517
City East Qld 4002 Australia
Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project Community Reference Group - Expressions of interest now open
4 Nov 2024
Seqwater is inviting expressions of interest from the community to participate in the reformed Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project Community Reference Group (CRG).
The purpose of the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project CRG is to provide a formal channel for community input on issues of relevance and highlight any local concerns that may relate to the project. The group will also assist in the dissemination of information about the project throughout the region.
The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project CRG will:
- Provide input to ongoing project planning to ensure both community and Seqwater needs are represented, project impacts are understood and addressed, where possible, and any opportunities and benefits are considered and maximised.
- Assist in refining the potential social impacts of the project and possible mitigation measures by confirming or updating information provided by the former CRG in 2019.
- Actively involve the community and key stakeholders in planning to ensure the project delivery meets community expectations, including for the proposed coffer dam.
- Raise awareness and understanding of the project in the community through the active sharing of information between well informed CRG members and their local networks.
- Improve Seqwater’s understanding of community impacts and concerns related to the project.
We’re seeking applications and looking for a variety of community members such as those who live near the dam, live upstream or downstream of the dam, local businesses, and/or have a heritage or environmental interest. Being on the CRG is a voluntary, unpaid position, and will require a commitment of some personal time.
To learn more about the CRG and selection criteria, read the Terms of Reference and the Selection Criteria.
Nominations will be open for a two-week period from Monday 4 November 2024 to Sunday 17 November 2024.
The first Community Reference Group meeting will be held local to Lake Macdonald Dam on Tuesday 3 December from 3:30pm – 5:30pm. It is expected that the successful applicants will be available to attend the meeting in person on this date. Information on the meeting location will be provided to successful applicants.
To apply to be a Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project CRG member, complete the application below or email [email protected].
Lake Macdonald DIP | Community Newsletter | August 2024
1 Aug 2024
Seqwater’s Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project is progressing, with detailed planning and onsite works continuing in 2024. Read the August community newsletter for the latest updates.
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About the project
What is the Dam Improvement Program (DIP)?South East Queensland dams were built to high safety standards, but most were built some decades ago. Methodologies and data used to estimate extreme rainfall events continue to improve and industry engineering standards and understanding of risks can progress over time.
Across Queensland and Australia, there are multiple dam upgrades occurring to meet modern engineering standards.
Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program is ensuring the region’s dams comply with the latest safety standards and continue to function safely during extreme weather events in line with regulatory requirements.
Click here for more information on Seqwater’s dam upgrades.
Why does Lake Macdonald Dam need to be upgraded?Lake Macdonald – also known as Six Mile Creek Dam – was originally constructed in 1965.
There have been significant advances in dam design since the dam was built, as well as new ways of estimating extreme rainfall and flood events, and a greater understanding of the size and severity of earthquakes.
This will be the first major upgrade of the dam since the wall was raised in 1980. The Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project will:
- increase the spillway capacity to safely pass floods
- protect the dam wall in extreme flood events
- efficiently control water flowing out of the dam
- reduce risks to the dam structure during earthquakes
- meet modern design and engineering standards
- comply with dam safety guidelines.
Is the dam currently safe?All Seqwater dams within the Dam Improvement Program continue to operate safely. Dam improvements are undertaken to meet modern guidelines for these life-long assets – many of which were built some years ago.
Seqwater undertakes regular monitoring and engineering assessments to ensure all our dams continue to operate safely.
Dams in Queensland were built to high, internationally accepted safety standards. However, the methodologies and data used to estimate extreme weather events and flooding impacts have significantly improved, and engineering standards and risks have progressed.
All these factors are considered as part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program so our dams continue to operate as they should, now and into the future.
What will Lake Macdonald Dam look like following the upgrade?The new dam will occupy the same footprint as the current structure, however the spillway will be a split-level concrete spillway. The primary ‘ogee’ spillway is set at the original lake level, and an upper labyrinth spillway will be constructed for large floods. No spillway gates are included in the new structure and the earth embankments will be reconstructed to their original level on either side of the primary spillway.
The primary spillway is a flat concrete structure, similar to the current dam wall.
The labyrinth spillway has a zigzag shape when viewed from above and is made from concrete. In the event of a very large inflow, the water will flow over the upper labyrinth spillway and into Six Mile Creek downstream.
The current earth fill embankment on the Lake Macdonald Drive side of the spillway does not meet today’s design and safety standards – that is, it is too steep and at risk of erosion. The new embankment at this location will be the same size and height of the existing embankment and finished grass and rocks.
The right earth embankment on the other side of the dam's spillway, closest to the water treatment plant, will also be re-constructed and finished with grass (looking much the same as it does now).
Rocks will be placed downstream of the new spillway, called scour protection, and will assist in preventing erosion.
An outlet tower will be constructed to the left side of the spillway which will have mechanical pipework and electrical components to facilitate both emergency release of water, to lower the dam reservoir, and environmental flows to the downstream Six Mile Creek.
Construction timeframe and activities
When will main works begin and what will they involve?Main construction works commenced in May 2025. Works will take place between 6:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday, weather and construction conditions permitting. Working hours on Saturday are between 6:30am and 4:00pm, as needed.
Construction activities to expect in 2025 include the mobilisation of stockpiled rock and other materials and equipment, piling equipment mobilised onsite, and lake lowering and cofferdam construction.
Key activities will include:
- Vibratory piling
- Concrete and rock breaking
- Earthworks
- Concrete pours
- Rock filling.
Please note the construction schedule is subject to change based on environmental and operational factors.
How long will the dam upgrade take?The entire construction process, from building the cofferdam to its removal after the new dam wall is complete, is anticipated to take around five years, subject to weather and construction conditions.
Construction phases and timeframes are:
- Phase 1 (2025) – Construction of temporary cofferdam
- Phase 2 (2025-2026) – Demolition of existing dam wall
- Phase 3 (2026-2028) – Construction of new dam wall and infrastructure
- Phase 4 (2028-2029) – Remove cofferdam and site rehabilitation.
What will be the hours of work?The project team will complete most work during the approved standard working hours to reduce impacts to the community:
- Monday to Friday – 6.30am to 6.30pm
- Saturday – 6.30am to 4.00pm.
Some work activities are time critical and must be carried out continuously or outside of the approved standard hours for safety and construction reasons.
The demolition of the existing dam wall and spillway is an example of work that will need to occur continuously 24 hours a day for seven days (24/7). Once the work starts, it will need to continue until the activity is complete.
Other work that will need to occur outside the approved standard hours will include major concrete pours and the delivery of oversized equipment or machinery to site.
The project team will engage and notify potentially impacted stakeholders in advance of any works occurring outside of the approved standard working hours. The information provided to residents will include work activities, staging, durations, equipment used and any additional mitigation measures that can be implemented during this work.
What will the cofferdam look like?A 300 metre long, 10 metre wide temporary cofferdam structure is engineered to manage inflows after each rain event. This structure will hold back the water in Lake Macdonald during construction of the new dam wall.
This is a temporary measure for dam safety and once the new dam wall is complete, the cofferdam will be removed, and Lake Macdonald Dam will be able to naturally refill to its original full supply level.
What materials will the cofferdam be constructed from and how will it be built?The cofferdam will be constructed from sheet piles, tie-bars, structural steel members, rock bags and graded rock fill. Cranes equipped with vibratory and impact hammers will drive the sheet piles into place. The same cranes will be used to install the tie-bars, structural members, and rock bags. Rock fill will be delivered by trucks and positioned using earth-moving equipment.
Where will the construction materials come from for the cofferdam and how will they be managed?John Holland have procured four quarries to supply materials on-site and these quarries will be used as required, based on their material availability, material suitability and site requirements.
Quarries approved for use are:
- Boral (Moy Pocket)
- Cordwell's (Kin Kin)
- Corbett's (Traveston)
- Holcim (Bli Bli).
Control measures for quarry trucks on the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project include:
- Trucks to be fitted with GPS tracking to monitor truck speeds and haulage route.
- Signage and UHF for school buses to communicate and coordinate movements on the road.
- Sign in and sign out system, including QR code registration, to track and monitor trucks.
- Boom gate system to stagger truck movements travelling between the quarry and project site.
- Heavy vehicle movements will be minimised during school pick-up/drop-off times (7:20-8:45am and 2.30-3:45pm).
What happens after construction is complete?After completion, the cofferdam will be decommissioned, and the lake will naturally refill to its original full supply level. The area will also undergo site rehabilitation to restore and enhance local amenity and ecology.
Community and construction impacts
What impacts can be expected during construction and mitigation measures will be in place?The community can expect to see an increase in standard construction impacts intermittently throughout the project including noise, dust, vibration and increased heavy vehicle movements.
At times, out of hours work including weekend, night and continuous work will be required to complete time critical activities.
We will provide advance notification to the community and stakeholders prior to commencing any out of hours works.
We understand some activities will be more disruptive for residents in close proximity to the project, and will be in contact with those directly affected to advise of impacts and mitigation measures in advance.
Click to read our fact sheets for more information on traffic management, work hours, and noise, dust and vibration mitigation measures.
We thank the community for your patience and understanding while these essential works are carried out.
What will traffic impacts be?During construction, the local community and stakeholders will see an increase in construction traffic, including heavy vehicles in and around Lake Macdonald.
Heavy vehicles are approved by the Office of the Coordinator-General to use Elm Street and Lake Macdonald Drive, and these will be the main areas with increased construction traffic.
A Traffic Management Plan and Traffic Guidance Scheme has been developed to ensure the safety of residents, road users and construction workers during the project.
Temporary traffic changes will occur at different times and may include speed limit reductions, lane closures, partial road closures, temporary traffic signals, traffic controllers on site and temporary signage.
Fencing and barriers will also be installed to delineate safe work areas from public spaces.
We will provide advanced notifications to the community and stakeholders prior to any major traffic changes or diversions, including details of any detours.
Will construction impact water security for the region?To maintain local water security during the construction of the project, a minimum Full Supply Volume of 42% will be retained for Lake Macdonald Dam (which equates to a level of 93m AHD), and the Noosa Water Treatment Plant will continue to operate.
To the community, this will look approximately two metres lower than the dam's full supply level.
This is the level the lake will remain throughout construction unless dry conditions create a naturally lower level.
Environmental management
How will impacts to the natural flora and fauna be mitigated?We are working with qualified ecologists to ensure the well-being of local flora and fauna, implementing measures to protect and manage wildlife during construction.
To date, Seqwater and John Holland have undertaken extensive environmental investigations to identify and record plant and animal habitats in and around Lake Macdonald.
The investigations include field surveys focusing on protected plants, important habitats for plants and animals, aquatic environments and significant local species. It also included reviewing past and present reports and databases.
Click here for more information on ecological management and mitigation measures.
Will there be fish relocation as part of the project?The project team is working with specialists to minimise impacts on aquatic fauna that may be affected by the lake drawdown. This includes managing and identifying opportunities to salvage and relocate fish to ensure the lake’s ecosystem is not put at risk.
There will be a period when the habitat available for aquatic species is limited. To minimise the impacts, the project team is proposing an initial aquatic fauna relocation program for identified native fish.
Some fish are sensitive to handling or changes in water temperature and may suffer injury or mortality if relocated. Therefore, we have developed an Adaptive Management Plan and will work with specialists who will assist in determining whether any fish species require relocation after a one week salvage operation during construction.
All relocation will be delivered by expert fish biologists, via a purpose-built fish transport vehicle to Cooloolabin Dam, if required.
Will a fish ladder be included in the upgrade?There is no existing fish passage (a fish ladder is a specific type of fish passage) at Lake Macdonald Dam, and no proposed fish passage included in the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project. The reasons for this are:
- A fish passage could allow for pest species such as Tilapia to enter Lake Macdonald reservoir.
- A more suitable location for a fish passage has been identified at the Gympie Weir. A fish passage in this location will allow fish to pass up and down the main Mary River, allowing passage between the upper tributaries and reaches.
- The Coordinator-General, as part of the Project Approval Conditions, has stated that Seqwater upgrade the Gympie Weir to include a fish passage.
Recreation and public access
What impacts will there be to recreation areas?Lake Macdonald is expected to remain open to on-water recreation, and parks and facilities recreation throughout the project. This means Lake Macdonald, Lake Macdonald Park and the boat ramp along Lake Macdonald Drive will remain open, as well as the Noosa Botanic Gardens. Recreation activities including motorless boating, canoeing and fishing will be permitted outside of the construction zone, which the cofferdam will isolate.
There will be closures to the scouts campground, the Mary River Cod Park and boat ramp, the fishing platform on Lake Macdonald Drive and some walking, riding and horse trails.
The Noosa Trail Network will remain open, however access points to the trails may change during construction. Vehicle parking and foot access will be closed at the Lake Macdonald Drive trail head (near Kookaburra Park) and along Collwood Road due to construction activities. Plans to provide alternative access and vehicle parking for the Noosa Trails Network in this vicinity are being worked through with Noosa Shire Council.
Can I still have access to the lake and its surrounds?Lake Macdonald Park and Boat Ramp will remain open, as will the Noosa Botanic Gardens. However, part of Collwood Road, the Mary River Cod Park and Mary River Cod Park Boat Ramp and the scout camp area will close during construction.
Community engagement
How can I be kept informed during construction?Seqwater will provide regular updates via newsletters, community meetings, on-site signage and our website. You can also register for email updates below.
How can I contact the project team with questions or concerns?If you have any questions about the project, you can contact the project team via phone at (07) 5472 1565 or email at [email protected].
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Video
LAKE MACDONALD ANIMATION
FileNoise, Dust & Vibration
FileFlora and fauna
FileTraffic management
FileWork hours
FileCommunity update - August 2024
FileCommunity Engagement Summary - May 2024
VideoMaking controlled water releases from dams and pipelines
VideoSeqwater explains: six stages of a dam safety upgrade
VideoUnderstanding the SEQ Water Grid