WATER STORAGE LEVELS BOOSTED IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH-WEST QUEENSLAND

Water storage levels in Central Queensland have been boosted by recent in-flows at local dams, weirs and in rivers.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said widespread falls across Central Queensland last week had lifted hopes across the region.

“The current drought has not broken but these latest falls are bringing some much needed relief,’’ he said.

“Flows from the Nogoa River into Emerald’s Fairbairn Dam are expected to exceed 150,000 megalitres. That means capacity at the dam should rise from its current level of 16 per cent to more than 24 per cent.

“The rainfall has totally filled Bedford, Bingegang and Tarturus weirs on the Mackenzie River.’’

The wet weather has brought an early Christmas present for farmers in the Taroom Shire with the Department of Natural Resources and Water expected to announce some water harvesting in the upper sections of the Dawson River.

“Water monitoring in the Dawson River has indicated the increased flows should fill Glebe, Gyranda, Orange Creek, Theodore weirs, and possibly even Moura and Neville Hewitt weirs,’’ Mr Wallace said.

“The department has a system of gauging stations to monitor the flows and ensure the best management of the resource as it makes its way downstream.

“These water data collated to form a complete picture on the flow and how to best manage it.’’

In the south-west, rains have ceased around the Paroo and Warrego rivers but further storms are predicted.

Beardmore Dam is expected to overflow by tomorrow thanks to in-flows from streams in the Maranoa and lower Condamine rivers. More than 80,000 megalitres has entered the dam in the past week. It is the first time since 2005 the dam has filled.

Minor flooding has eased in the upper Barcoo River near Blackall and minor flooding has eased on the Balonne River at Weribone.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs on 3896 3689 or Caroline Kaurila on 0414 213 954.