Council proposing to close tailwater area under Lenthalls Dam
An area near Lenthalls Dam could be closed to the public with council growing tired of people ignoring safety warnings and “risking their lives”.
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A popular fishing spot below Lenthalls Dam could be closed to the public due to safety concerns.
The Fraser Coast Regional Council is considering permanently closing the area below the Lenthalls Dam spillway where water is released rapidly when the dam gates operate.
Councillor Zane O’Keefe said Lake Lenthall was a fantastic recreational facility for those who enjoy camping, boating, fishing and kayaking, but it was important everyone stayed away from the tailwater area below the spillway.
“Lake Lenthall is stocked with barramundi and Australian bass so is a popular spot for recreational fishing, but a growing number of fishers have been accessing an area immediately downstream of the dam,” he said.
Mr O’Keefe said the area could be dangerous and while the council had installed signs highlighting the area is a no-go zone unfortunately, some continue to ignore safety advice and were “willing to risk their lives just to go fishing”.
“This reckless behaviour is not on. Council is proposing to permanently close the area below Lenthalls Dam spillway to public access so that people who repeatedly enter this area can be issued with fines,” he said.
Mr O’Keefe said the council was providing a two-week notice period during which members of the public could make submissions about the proposed closure via email to enquiry@frasercoast.qld.gov.au.
“Council has previously put in place temporary closures during water releases but we are now proposing to formally close a 5.7-hectare section of the area downstream of Lenthalls Dam,” he said.
“The proposed closure aligns with what occurs in State Government controlled public waterways, which are generally closed to fishing up to 600 metres downstream of water infrastructure such as dams, weirs and barrages.”
More information about Lake Lenthall, including the rules around camping, boating and fishing in the area, is available here.
A public notice about the proposed closure of the Lenthall’s Dam tailwater area is available here.
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