Bjelke-Petersen Dam spilling into Barker Creek

Bjelke-Petersen Dam has reached full capacity and begun spilling water into Barker Creek, with Sunwater warning nearby residents to be on alert as more rain is expected in the coming days.

After months of well above average rainfall, Bjelke-Petersen Dam reached its maximum capacity and has begun to spill excess water into nearby waterways.

After months of well above average rainfall, Bjelke-Petersen Dam reached its maximum capacity and has begun to spill excess water into nearby waterways.

On Wednesday, March 26, Sunwater announced the dam had begun to spill into Barker Creek and warned those living downstream to be aware of the situation.

A Sunwater spokesperson said that after spilling for two days the dam was still more than 100 per cent capacity, but the flow was “just a trickle”.

“Currently the flows from the dam are minor and are expected to remain in the beds and banks of the river,” they said.

“The duration of the spill event will depend on water in the catchment and any further rainfall.”

After months of well above average rainfall, Bjelke-Petersen Dam reached its maximum capacity and has begun to spill excess water into nearby waterways.

The water from the dam initially flows into Barker Creek, which then flows into Barambah Creek.

Barambah Creek runs closely past Cherbourg, which is the closest residential area to the dam with a population of around 1194.

The South Burnett experienced significantly above average rainfall for several consecutive months, with heavy rainfall in December and January resulting in major flooding, road closures and property damage.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicted showers and rainfall for the region over the next five days, with up to 35mm of rain forecast for Kingaroy on Saturday.

Thunderstorms are expected in the coming days, but only light rain is predicted and no weather warnings have been issued for the South Burnett.

Originally published as Bjelke-Petersen Dam spilling into Barker Creek