Wivenhoe Dam is South East Queensland’s largest drinking water dam, providing water security and important flood mitigation benefits for the region.
Completed in 1984, Wivenhoe Dam has been pivotal in delivering a safe and secure supply of water to South East Queenslanders, and has supported the agricultural industry, employment opportunities and recreation in the region for decades.
65-year-old Wivenhoe Field Ranger, Greg Ruttley, has worked with Seqwater for nearly 40 years and has fond memories working on the original construction of the dam.
“At 22, I was working for a contractor screening gravel and stockpiling sand from the river. I would then transport these materials over to the construction site where Wivenhoe Dam was being built,” said Mr Ruttley.
“I am proud to have contributed even a small part to the construction of the dam all those years ago. Now, as a Seqwater Field Ranger for the past 35+ years, I ensure the upkeep of Lake Wivenhoe's recreation areas to create a positive experience for locals and visitors.
"Having experienced firsthand the importance of recreation at Lake Wivenhoe — I am a fisherman who used to bring my late father-in-law to the lake for a day out — it is a privilege to be part of a team that maintains these sites, helping others to create memories as well,” he said.
Part of Seqwater’s Dam Improvement Program, Wivenhoe Dam will be upgraded to ensure it continues to provide ongoing safety, water security and recreation for years to come.
Seqwater Interim CEO, Will Harpham, said the Wivenhoe Dam Improvement Project will ensure the dam meets modern engineering and design standards, which have evolved since the dam was completed in 1984.
“Wivenhoe Dam continues to operate safely, and the Dam Improvement Project is focused on ensuring the dam can provide water security and flood mitigation benefits for future generations,” said Mr Harpham.
“Geotechnical investigations commenced at Wivenhoe Dam in June. The works carefully assess the ground conditions and help to further understand the dam’s foundations.
“This work will help to inform the Options Analysis, which is currently underway exploring a range of technical options for the dam upgrade, which is required to be complete by 2035.
“Wivenhoe Dam is one of the most important assets within the SEQ Water Grid, supplying approximately 50% of South East Queensland’s water supply, and this upgrade will ensure the longevity of the dam into the future,” he said.
Further information:
- The Wivenhoe Dam wall is 2.3 kilometres long, with five radial gates to release water. It has a catchment area of more than 7000km2.
- At full supply level, Wivenhoe will hold 1.165 million megalitres of water. During a flood, it is designed to hold back close to two million megalitres on top of its drinking water storage capacity. The extra water is temporarily stored in the flood storage compartment for flood mitigation purposes.
- More than half a million people visited Lake Wivenhoe recreation sites in 2023-24.
- At Lake Wivenhoe, visitors can boat, sail, use paddle craft equipment and fish and swim in the designated areas. Private camping, BBQ and picnic facilities, playgrounds and multi-use trails are also on offer. Rules and restrictions apply, visit the Seqwater Lake Wivenhoe Recreation Guide and check Recreation and Safety notices when planning your trip.
For more, visit the Seqwater website.
ENDS
For further information please contact Seqwater Communications:
Ph: (07) 3247 3000 | Email: [email protected]
