Lake Kurwongbah to be opened to paddlers

Paddle craft will now be able to use Lake Kurwongbah for recreation and fishing, while new multi-use trails would be established at Lake Samsonvale (North Pine Dam) in the Pine Rivers region, under new guidelines issued today.

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said hundreds of people would be able to take advantage of the greater recreational and tourism opportunities, delivering on key election promises.

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

“The feedback from the community through the recreation review was clear—people wanted more trails and access for paddling so they could get out and experience the great outdoors.

“The State Government has listened and Lake Kurwongbah will be opened to paddle craft once a launch point has been established at Mick Hanfling Park.

“Labor failed to utilise these wonderful spaces during its time in office but we have recognised the potential for greater use of SEQ dams and lakes.”

Member for Kallangur Trevor Ruthenberg said this gave fishers greater access to the lake as they would now be able to fish from paddle craft, as well as from the shoreline at the recreation areas.

“Wash down facilities for canoes and kayaks will also be established to help prevent the spread of aquatic weeds,” Mr Ruthenberg said.

Boating access to Lake Samsonvale will remain unchanged while Seqwater undertakes a comprehensive 12-month study to determine the impacts of increased on-water recreation activities on water quality, given the dam’s significance as a drinking water source for the region.

Member for Pine Rivers Seath Holswich said the State Government wanted to provide the community with the greatest recreation opportunities possible but had to balance recreation with water quality requirements and long-term dam management.

The opening up of Lake Kurwongbah to the community for kayaking and canoeing means water skiing will no longer be permitted on the lake.

Members of the Lake Kurwongbah Water Ski Zone club will be provided with free boat permits for three years to use Lake Somerset. The recreation guides for Lakes Samsonvale and Kurwongbah can be found at www.seqwater.com.au/recreview. 

[ENDS] 14 April 2014

Media Contact: Phil Hind 0437 334 183