Isis and Bundaberg area farmers can now access the free water being released from Paradise Dam.
Natura Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Sunwater was releasing about 100 megalitres of water from today (Friday) into four watercourses not normally supplied by the dam.
The water release is part of the safety initiative to lower the dam’s water level to 42 per cent.
“The decision last month to release water from Paradise Dam was not taken lightly with so much of the state in drought,” Dr Lynham said.
“However, safety is always our priority.
“The Government, through Sunwater, is seeking to maximise the productive use of the water that has to be released, which is why it is free.
“Now irrigators with water access rights already on Elliot River, Mahogany Creek, the Gregory River, and Logging Creek will also have access to free water from the dam.”
Sunwater is starting the release at around 100 megalitres per day across the four streams.
Dr Lynham said more water may be available, depending on demand from irrigators.
The storage level of Paradise Dam near Bundaberg is being reduced ahead of the 2019/20 wet season. This is to allow works to improve the dam’s stability during extreme rain events.
