Improved access for paddle craft at Ewen Maddock

The Newman Government is delivering on its promise to provide Queenslanders with greater recreational access to the state’s lakes, following improvements at a Sunshine Coast dam that is popular with paddlers.

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said the improved access to the launching point at the Ewen Maddock Dam was one of the outcomes of the most extensive review of South East Queensland’s dams and catchments ever undertaken.

“We promised at the election to grow tourism as one of the four pillars of the economy and recognising leisure opportunities delivers on that commitment,” Mr McArdle said.

“These wonderful spaces were underutilised by the previous Government, but we are making sure more people have access to them.

“The Ewen Maddock Dam recreational review identified the need for easier access to the launching point in an area popular with paddlers.

“They told Seqwater they had difficulty manoeuvring kayaks and canoes on the existing pathway.

“This improvement combined with the new trailer parking at Maddock Park will make it easier for paddle craft users to access the great facilities at Ewen Maddock Dam.”

Seqwater Acting Chief Executive Officer, Peter Dennis said recreation activities at Ewen Maddock Dam and Lake Baroon were reviewed together and attracted a high level of community interest.

“As a result of feedback, we considered a number of options to make access to the Ewen Maddock launch point easier,” Mr Dennis said.

“For operational reasons, we are unable to establish a direct access point from the car park to the water’s edge.”

“However, the changes that have been made to the pathway will make it easier for paddlers to reach the water.”

The Seqwater recreation review began eight months ago and so far more than 3,000 organisations and individuals have taken the opportunity to help shape the future of recreation at Seqwater’s dams and catchments.

To find out more about Seqwater’s recreation review or for a copy of the recreation guides for Lake Baroon and Ewen Maddock Dam, visit www.yourseqwater.com.au

[ENDS] 17 February 2014

Media Contact: Phil Hind 0437 334 183