The Queensland Government has announced it will lower Wivenhoe Dam levels following 'extensive export advice'.

 

The State Government announced the full supply level of the Wivenhoe Dam, currently at 80 per cent would be reduced to 75 per cent. This is to prepare for the coming wet season and the decision has been made in accordance with recent amendments to the Water Act.

 

State Minister for Natural Resources Rachel Nolan said the recommendations stated Wivenhoe Dam should be reduced if the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) made a similar forecast to the 2011-12 wet season as last year’s weather conditions that resulted in Queensland’s summer of sorrow.

 

“I have sought advice about the BoM’s forecast from Seqwater, the Water Grid Manager, the Queensland Water Commission and the Department of Environment and Resource Management," Ms Nolan said.

 

My advice is that if water levels are maintained at 75% going into the next wet season rather than being allowed to rise to 100% then in the event of a flood like last years the flood peak would be 0.3 metres lower at the Port Office (Brisbane CBD) gauge.