Perfect day for kayaking
Waterskiers are knot welcome at Tinaroo
Penny Vickers and Steve Lane from Yungaburra enjoy a paddle on Lake Tinaroo. The couple has no concerns about a six-knot speed limit remaining in force on the waterway. Authorities have extended the limit because of the lack of rain and the dam being at a low 38 per cent capacity.
FAR North Queensland’s long dry spell will again restrict holiday activities on Lake Tinaroo with a six-knot speed limit being extended into the new year.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) acting general manager Jim Huggett said the decision was discussed with stakeholders and, based on water level predictions, the speed limit would continue.
He said MSQ would con- tinue to review speed limits on advice from SunWater on anticipated levels throughout the new year.
Tinaroo Dam is currently sitting at 38.2 per cent capacity.
“The current water levels and prevailing conditions suggest Tinaroo Dam levels will have reached a critical point for safe navigation by the end of the year,” Mr Huggett said.
“Unfortunately this means gazettal of a six-knot speed limit for the entire dam so activities such as waterskiing cannot continue until a return to safer conditions.
“Maritime Safety Queensland has been working closely with the dam operators, SunWater, local government, accommodation providers and waterski clubs.”
Steve Lane of Yungaburra said local ski clubs and neighbouring towns were suffering following the introduction of the six-knot speed limit.
“We’re skiers so we haven’t been able to ski and it’s affecting the towns at Yungaburra and Tinaroo and such,” he said.
“The skiers form quite a large number of people that come up and spend money in the area and now that hasn’t been happening.
“The speed limit is in place because of the underwater obstacles, but it’s still good to go paddling around.”
Patrols will be carried around Tinaroo Dam with penalties of up to $365 for anyone exceeding the limit.
A map of the new speed restriction zones will be available at https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/boating/notices/farnorth-qld.