Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association (BSRA) season opener at Wyaralong Dam cancelled
A major rowing event involving students from private schools across Brisbane has been cancelled due to the closure of a southeast Queensland dam following intense rainfall.
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A major rowing event involving students from elite schools across Brisbane has been cancelled following the closure of a dam by Seqwater the day before the event.
The first event of the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association (BSRA) rowing season, set to be hosted by Somerville House at Wyaralong Dam over the weekend, has been cancelled.
The Courier-Mail has obtained an e-mail that was sent out to competitors on Friday morning, advising them of the cancellation of the event due to the closure of Wyaralong Dam by Seqwater, with the dam at over 100 per cent capacity and spilling.
“We have just been informed that BSRA Regatta 1 (Somerville), scheduled for tomorrow – 26th July) has been cancelled,” the e-mail read.
“This is due to South East Queensland Water (Seqwater) closing Wyaralong Dam for the next 24-48 hours, which is completely outside of our control.
“While this is disappointing news, we will pivot and adapt as always.”
In a statement, Seqwater advised that Wyaralong Dam was closed to water users on Friday morning following intense rainfall and stated that the safety of the public is a top priority.
“Seqwater closed Wyaralong Dam to water users this morning at 7.30am following intense rainfall across the catchment over the past 24 to 48 hours,” the statement read.
“This resulted in substantial outflows over the spillway which triggered the closure of the dam due to fast flowing water potentially impacting water user safety.
“As per Seqwater operating protocols, Queensland Rowing and the public were advised of this closure.
“Clearing weather combined with reduced inflows could potentially see Wyaralong Dam reopening early tomorrow morning (Saturday 26 July), however, if forecast weather of more rain eventuates, this could result in the closure of the dam for periods over the weekend.
“These are difficult decisions, but water user safety is paramount for Seqwater and will always be our number one priority.”
As of 2pm, Wyaralong Dam was at 101.3 per cent capacity and spilling.