Recreational dams, lakes to reopen on Saturday

At last! Southeast Queensland’s most popular dams and lakes will reopen on Saturday, but chilly weather could keep people away.

The southeast’s some of the most popular dams, lakes and waterfront walking tracks will reopen this Saturday after being closed last month.

But while all Sunwater dams are now open for swimming, SEQWater is still carrying out water testing and risk assessments before deciding when bathing is safe.

BBQs and camping are still forbidden at this time.

Scenes of hundreds of bathers at attractions such as Enoggera Reservoir forced SEQWater and Sunwater to lock the gate on their facilities on March 26.

But the State Government this morning announced the public could now use them again, following a relaxation in guidelines from the Chief Health Officer.

It came after another day with no new confirmed coronavirus cases in Queensland.

But the Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for a chilly southern blast which could see temperatures plunge to zero in some areas this weekend, likely dampening enthusiasm for a dip.

Natural Resources Minister, Anthony Lynham, said public health and safety was the most important thing but Queenslanders would soon have some greater freedom to visit parks, dams and recreational areas managed by Seqwater and Sunwater.

“Lifting these restrictions will allow our dams and recreational areas to be opened for fishing, boating, picnics and other activities, however barbecue facilities will remain closed,” he said.

“Queenslanders have been doing the right thing since the coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced, and it has shown through in how we have flattened the curve.

“However, we must continue to observe the Chief Health Officer’s (Dr Jeannette Young) guidelines for social distancing.”

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All campgrounds, including those at Sunwater and Seqwater facilities such as Lake Wivenhoe and Lake Somerset, will remain closed until further notice from the Chief Health Officer.

Seqwater is conducting testing and risk assessments and will endeavour to open swimming when it is appropriate to do so.

The decision to allow day access follows the easing of stay-at-home restrictions in national parks and other public areas on the weekend.

“The Palaszczuk Government understands that recreation and the outdoors plays an important role in our community, as many Queenslanders use these areas for exercise and to look after their mental health,” Dr Lynham said.

“It is important to note that anyone visiting these sites will be subject to meeting current social distancing guidelines and the requirement to stay within 50km of their home.

“And as always, remember to take all the necessary safety precautions before getting in the water such as reading signs and being aware of your surroundings.”

Queensland Police Service can still issue on-the-spot fines for breaches of the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

For full information on which areas are open to the public, visit seqwater.com.au or sunwater.com.au