Recreation changes at Lake Samsonvale and Lake Kurwongbah

Lake Samsonvale is set to be opened to the public for on water recreation for the first time following a landmark water quality assessment. The Australian-first study has found that the lake is able to cope with the introduction of public paddle craft without impacting water quality in one of South East Queensland’s major drinking water storages.

Last night (December 14), more than 90 community members attended a presentation by Seqwater and the independent assessment team to learn more about the study and the proposed recreation changes. The study also reaffirmed the current recreation access by the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association and the Lake Samsonvale Water Sports Association, is able to continue without impacting on drinking water quality.

More recreation on Lake Samsonvale was one of the key outcomes of Seqwater’s Recreation Review.

In addition, the water quality assessment has also allowed Seqwater to revise current recreation on Lake Kurwongbah to allow the public paddling access on the lake seven days a week in a joint sharing arrangement with ongoing rowing and skiing activities. We will be working with the local recreation clubs, environmental groups and neighbours over the coming months to carefully plan these changes on both lakes.

More information about these changes will be provided in the next edition of this newsletter.

Billies Bay is here!

We know that many of you have been eagerly waiting for the completion of the new Billies Bay and Hays Landing recreation area at Lake Wivenhoe and we would like to thank you for your patience during the extended construction and refurbishment process. Seqwater are pleased to announce that Billies Bay and Hays Landing was opened on 10 December just in time for school holidays. So make sure you come down and enjoy this brand new recreation area this summer!

Be sure to always check are recreation and safety notices on the website before travelling to any of our recreation areas.

Community feedback for Ewen Maddock trails

In the coming months, we will be trialling new trail signage at Ewen Maddock and will be looking for feedback from the community. Trail classifications and ‘you are here’ maps will be used to help trail goers navigate through the complex network of tracks. A confirmed date has not been set for the start of the trial, but we are aiming to have the temporary signage installed early next year.

For more information, call 1800 737 928 or email recreation@seqwater.com.au.

New gazettal areas at Lake Maroon and Lake Moogerah

As a joint safety initiative between Fisheries Queensland, Marine Safety Queensland and Seqwater, the roll out of three new gazettal areas at Lake Maroon and Lake Moogerah will begin these school holidays. At Lake Moogerah, a 6 knot gazettal has been placed at the mouth of Sandy Creek in the northern section of the lake. Two, 6 knot gazettal areas have been introduced at Lake Maroon: one in the northern section of the lake in the inlet along the northern edge of Slater Park, and one in the southern section of the lake at the mouth of Burnett Creek.

Keep an eye out for new signage at these recreation areas and boat ramps showing the updated 6 knot speed zones.

Safety upgrades coming soon!

As part of a safety and signage overhaul at our recreation areas, Seqwater has partnered with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) to complete an Aquatic Public Safety Risk Assessment across our designated swimming areas. The recommendations from this report form the basis of some up-coming changes that will be implemented in early 2017. These changes include:

• an improved enclosure design for our designated swimming areas, which offers a continuous float barrier separating swimmers from watercraft vessels
• remote emergency telephones to be placed in strategic locations where phone reception is minimal
• changes to the size and location of some swimming areas
• the removal and consolidation of redundant or excessive signage
• a new style of safety signage at boat ramps and swimming areas based on the National Aquatic And Recreational Safety Signage Style Manual
• the introduction of Emergency Location Markers that can be used in an emergency to relay a specific location to emergency services.

 The new Billies Bay and Hays Landing recreation area at Lake Wivenhoe features some of these initiatives. So make sure you get down to Billies Bay and check it out! Let us know what you think by calling 1800 737 928 or emailing recreation@seqwater.com.au

Updated maps and recreation guides

Over the coming months we will be updating our recreation guides and online maps. These maps will include more detail around our walking and multi-use trails and be updated to a more user friendly format. Three maps have been uploaded initially to trial the new format, being Hinze, Wivenhoe and Somerset, though additional changes will be made to these maps as well. So keep checking the Locations and guides section of the website for updated maps in your area

Blue-green algae season

Blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) is a naturally occurring bacteria that lives in lakes and waterways, and most of the time is only found in low numbers, posing minimal risk to people. However, when an algal bloom occurs and the levels of bacteria are elevated, they can produce toxins that present a public health risk. Environmental factors usually associated with summer, such as warmer weather and more sunlight, provide the optimal growing conditions for blue-green algae. Although not all algal blooms are toxic, in the interest of public safety we will always assume that they might be until the water has been tested.

Exposure to toxins from blue-green algae can occur numerous ways:

• Swallowing water
• Inhaling water droplets and spray
• Water coming into contact with skin; especially sensitive areas such as the ears, eyes, mouth and nose; and
• Eating fish and other food caught in algae-affected water.

What can you do to play it safe this summer? Check the levels of blue-green algae at our lakes before visiting them, be aware of the health risks associated with water based recreation when algae levels are high and comply with all lake closures and access restrictions put in place.

For further information on blue-green algae or to download a factsheet, please visit the SEQwater website.