Spillway gates on Ross River Dam to be opened

The spillway gates on Ross River Dam will be opened today, as the level approaches 100 per cent.

Opening the gates is standard practice when the dam is full to prevent major flooding issues downstream.

Townsville Water and Waste Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said the spillway gates were recently tested.

“Ensuring the spillway gates are in good working order is important for when we get significant rainfall and the dam fills up,” Cr Cook said.

“There’s still expected to be a bit more rain coming down over the next few days so that’s why Council, in conjunction with Sunwater, has opened the spillway gates.

“I’d like to remind everyone to stay safe in the big wet – particularly around the city’s weirs.”

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