Hinze Dam turns 40

This weekend one of South East Queensland’s major water supply dams and recreation lakes – Hinze Dam – turns 40.

Minister for Water Supply Mark Bailey attended the celebrations at Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast today.

“Hinze Dam was originally constructed in 1976 and celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend. I’m delighted to join the local community for this historic event,"  Mr Bailey said.

"It is the region’s third largest drinking water supply dam and plays a critical role in maintaining South East Queensland’s drinking water security."

Hinze Dam was originally designed for construction in three stages. Stage 1 was completed in 1976, Stage 2 in 1989 and Stage 3 in 2011.

“The Stage 3 upgrade, arguably the most important stage, was undertaken against the backdrop of the worst drought in 100 years,” Mr Bailey said.

“Its completion was not only good news for the ever expanding city of Gold Coast but most importantly it was also a great boost to Australia’s first Water Grid.

"The Water Grid, a two-way 600km integrated pipe network designed to move treated drinking water across the region to where it is needed most, was conceived and delivered by the State Labor Government during the Millennium drought.

“Hinze Dam is one of 12 dams across South East Queensland connected to the Grid, ensuring a continuous supply of water to more than three million South East Queenslanders and businesses.’’

Seqwater chief executive officer Peter Dennis said the history of South East Queensland’s water supply was a fascinating and often dramatic story as engineers and planners worked to adapt to a rapidly growing population over the decades.

“All three stages of construction of Hinze Dam were engineering achievements in their own right – but none more so than Stage 3,” Mr Dennis said.

“Raising the wall of an existing dam, while holding back a significant lake of water and continuing to use it as a key water storage, provided significant engineering, construction and environmental challenges."

Mr Dennis said the water planning challenges continue as Seqwater plans for the region’s water supply needs for the next 30 years.

“The good news is that with the Water Grid and assets like Hinze Dam our region does not require a new source until well beyond 2030. This means we have plenty of time to engage with South East Queenslanders on the right water future,’’ he said.

The Hinze Dam Stage 3 upgrade raised the dam wall by 15 metres delivering improved flood mitigation to more than 3000 homes downstream of the dam. It almost doubled the dam’s capacity to 310,000ML or the equivalent of about 820,000 Olympic sized swimming pools. Its increased capacity means Hinze Dam, when full, has an extra water supply yield of up to 24 million litres per day or more than 6000 million litres a year.

For more information about the events or to learn more about the Seqwater’s history, visit www.seqwater.com.au.

ENDS

Media Contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942