New SEQ outdoor playground to open in time for summer holidays

A major new recreation area at Wivenhoe Dam, previously off limits to the general public, is set to become South East Queensland’s latest outdoor playground.

Billies Bay and Hays Landing are located on the eastern side of Lake Wivenhoe and have been transformed into a new recreation destination catering for BBQs, picnics, swimming, fishing, paddling and sailing.

Minister for Water Supply Mark Bailey today joined 600 South East Queensland students for a sneak preview of the new location as part of Seqwater’s annual Play it safe day.

“Access to the site, which is effectively on an island located in the middle of Wivenhoe Dam, has been upgraded with a new bridge and resurfaced road and Billies Bay and Hays Landing will collectively boast a double lane boat ramp as well as swimming and picnic facilities,” Mr Bailey said.

“The new site is on schedule to be opened to the general public from Saturday 10 December to coincide with the first weekend of the summer school holidays.

“Wivenhoe Dam is already one of the region’s most popular recreation destinations and I’m sure Billies Bay and Hays landing will become the “jewel of the crown” providing public access to areas of the lake normally off limits.”

Mr Bailey said Seqwater’s Play it safe day was an annual event aimed to teach students about risky behaviours in and around water and how to play it safe.

“Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the region’s dams, lakes and parks over the summer period. Play it safe day is a timely reminder for the community to think about safety,” Mr Bailey said.

Treasurer and Minister for Sport, Curtis Pitt invited locals and tourists alike to take advantage of the new outdoor area during the summer. “Wivenhoe Dam is renowned for its spectacular scenery and range of recreational opportunities,” Mr Pitt said.

“This development will help enhance the area to make sure it remains a popular destination, especially during summer and I encourage people to get outdoors and get active.”

Seqwater Acting Chief Executive Officer Jim Pruss said Seqwater was committed to balancing the requirements of providing the region’s bulk drinking water while offering some of the most enjoyable and diverse recreation experiences.

“More than 2.5 million people visit our region’s dams and lakes every year with Wivenhoe and Somerset dams two of our most popular lakes,” Mr Pruss said.

“The vast majority of our dams are open to recreation and improving recreation opportunities is an important part of our commitment to South East Queensland. “We have worked closely with Somerset Regional Council as well as the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing to establish this new recreation site, which we believe will quickly become a  favourite destination for both locals and tourists alike.’’

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said the new site would provide an economic boost to the Somerset region through increased tourism.

“Tourism has been identified as one of the key economic drivers for our region both now and into the future. This new facility has the potential to further enhance our growing reputation as one of Australia’s premier lakes’ districts,’’ Mayor Lehmann said.

ENDS

Media contact:                     

Minister Bailey’s office: Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484

Seqwater: (07) 3247 3000 or email media@seqwater.com.au