Media Statements

Dams in south east Queensland are continuing to release flood waters from recent rain events to prepare them for upcoming weather uncertainty.

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said recent heavy rainfall had increased the water in dams above levels set by the government, and releases were ongoing to bring them back to temporary full supply levels.

“The Newman Government has reduced the water supply levels of Wivenhoe and North Pine Dams to 88 per cent to provide extra flood mitigation capacity during the current wet season,” Mr McArdle said.

“North Pine Dam is currently at 88 per cent following releases during the week, while Wivenhoe is at 101 per cent and is still releasing recent flood waters. Somerset is now at 101 per cent.

“Over this weekend, it is expected some medium rain will fall across south east Queensland and in the catchment of both dams. This should not impact significantly on the dams or the current flood water release strategy.

“Releases from Wivenhoe Dam have increased significantly this week after flood waters from Lockyer Creek and the Bremer River passed.

“This strategy allowed for minimum impact on property downstream from the dam while there were other flows into the Brisbane River, then to be able to drain the dam down before any further significant rainfall.”

Mr McArdle said advice to his Department this week from Seqwater CEO Terri Benson outlined dam operations in response to the latest Bureau of Meteorology forecasts.

“The flood operations centre is constantly monitoring the weather forecasts and relies on advice from the BOM. There is regular communication between Seqwater and the BOM with the normal focus being the 7 day forecast, given the high uncertainty any further out,” Ms Benson advised.

“In terms of long range weather forecasts specifically for the second and third week of March we have contacted the BOM and asked their advice. We have spoken to the BOM and they advised that late February early March is the more likely time for a surge in the monsoon and hence increased chances of cyclone formation.”

Mr McArdle said the dams would continue to be managed under the current settings until early April when he would reassess the levels on the basis of water supply requirements.

[ENDS] 2 March 2013

Media contact: Minister’s Office 07 3896 3691 or 0417 458 195