No water release for dams

WIVENHOE and Somerset Dams won't see any water released despite predictions of flooding.

Water gushes from the Somerset Dam in this aerial shot take from a Pterodactyl helicopter. . Picture: Johey Kosta-Jarvis

WIVENHOE and Somerset Dams won't see any water released despite predictions of flooding.

According to the State Government there is no need to reduce the levels to the inquiry's recommendation of 75% with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a less severe wet season.

Natural Resources minister Rachel Nolan said the inquiry's recommendations only called for water to be released in the case of severe rain events.

"The Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry Interim Report recommended that we should temporarily reduce the level at Wivenhoe Dam if the Bureau of Meteorology makes a similar wet season forecast to that made for 2010-11," she said.

"It's not the kind of extraordinary weather event predicted that we saw last year.

"Based on this, we are acting in line with the recommendations of the Flood Commission's interim report and won't be lowering the level at either Wivenhoe … at this time."

Wivenhoe Dam was holding 81.8% of capacity as of yesterday, close to 20% less than it was in September last year when it was near 100%.

However, in contrast to the Bureau of Meteorology's forecast the Weather Channel has predicted above average rainfall.

The Weather Channel chief meteorologist Dick Whitaker said a weak La Niña would cause flooding, although on a smaller scale than that of January.

"Above average rain through northern and eastern Australia is likely to once again prompt broad-scale flooding," he said

"However, even with a weak La Niña, any resulting floods are unlikely to reach the severity and frequency of the 2010-2011 severe weather season due to less rainfall and drier conditions this past winter."

Despite the Bureau's current predictions Ms Nolan said the government would continue to assess the situation.

"If the Bureau of Meteorology were to significantly change their forecast then government is in a position to act swiftly on the basis of new advice."

Originally published as No water release for dams