More rainfall expected around Mackay as dams release excess water

Dams are starting to release water as capacity reached and heavy rainfall is expected for parts of the Mackay coast.

Eungella Dam holds approximately 112 GL and is over 850 ha.

All three dams in the Mackay region are either at or near capacity with both the Eungella and Teemburra dams spilling excess water into nearby river banks.

It comes as widespread rain with isolated embedded showers and thunderstorms soaked parts of the Mackay and Isaac region.

Eungella Dam’s operator, SunWater, began warning nearby residents of increased river flows as the catchment began spilling excess water Monday morning, though there has been no danger to residents.

As of this morning, the dam was spilling water at a rate of 555 megalitres a day after it received 50mm of rain Sunday night, while the Teemburra dam was at 101.21 per cent capacity and also spilling water, with outflows at 707 megalitres a day.

A SunWater spokesman said the duration of the spill events “depend on water in the catchment and any further rainfall” which is expected in the coming days.

“The flows are expected to remain within the beds and banks of the river,” he said.

Mackay rain radar as of 2.40pm, March 18, 2025

Kinchant Dam remains just below the capacity at 86.7 per cent capacity.

Last night, Mackay copped 30mm in some parts of the city with 42mm of rainfall hitting Bakers Creek.

Bowen hit 14.4mm while Hamilton Island copped just 8mm.

A BOM spokesman said very humid north-easterly flows from the Coral Sea joining with a south-easterly wind surge pushing up the coast is expected to strengthen today.

“Rain and showers are likely in the Central Coast and Whitsundays district with the possibility of thunderstorms and heavy falls in the north around Bowen for today and into Wednesday,” he said.

There is no flood warning for the Mackay Region as the main focus remains further north around Townsville.