A return to full water level at Sideling Creek Dam has been welcomed by skiers, paddlers, rowers, fishers and Member for Kurwongbah Shane King.
"With upgrades to Sideling Creek Dam well-advanced, the dam's storage – Lake Kurwongbah – is set to return to its original full supply level, after it was lowered to allow the project to be carried out safely,'' Mr King said.
"The lake is a popular spot for fishing, paddling, rowing and skiing and restoring the lake to its original level is welcome news.
"This dam storage is vital to the community and the lifestyle locals enjoy here," Mr King said.
"Lake users have been patiently waiting for Lake Kurwongbah to return to its full capacity and it will improve recreation opportunities at the lake and make the scenery even more picturesque.
"Just recentrly Lake Kurwongbah Water Ski Zone members, who were running one of their 'Come and Try' days for charity, said how impressed they were.''
Minister for Natural Resources Dr Anthony Lynham said the $18 million upgrade was an essential investment to make the dam more resilient to extreme floods and earthquakes.
Once completed, Dr Lynham said the upgrade would also enhance recreation and deliver environmental improvements for the lake and surrounding catchment.
"In 2015, Seqwater lowered the water level of Lake Kurwongbah by two metres as work began on this important upgrade," Dr Lynham said.
"Significant progress during construction has now reached a point to allow for the spillway crest to return to its original height.
"That means with enough rainfall, the lake will return to its original full supply level, increasing the surface area of the lake by one-third."
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said the improvements to the dam spillway would enhance the spillway's ability to handle large volumes of water.
"Now that the spillway crest has been returned to its original height, work will focus on areas downstream of the spillway.
"Improvements are also underway to mitigate erosion in the downstream area and improve the ability for fish to pass," Mr Brennan said.
Construction work for the project is expected to be completed by June this year.
