Hidden dangers in lake keep speed low

UNAUTHORISED tree clearing at Lake Tinaroo has resulted in the reduced six-knot speed limit remaining in place for most of the Tablelands lake.

While the water level has risen to 46.7 per cent in recent weeks, there are concerns around an increase in submerged hazards that have the potential to pose a serious risk to boaters.

For this reason, users are urged to stick to the reduced speed limit in defined zones until it is removed by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).

But in recent times when the lake has been particularly low, SunWater has received a number of reports of unauthorised tree-clearing.

As a result, recent inflows have not been significant enough to reduce the risk to high-speed activity on the lake.

SunWater operations north general manager Travis Richards said MSQ had agreed to maintain the current reduced speed limit until an underwater hazard-identification survey, which started earlier this month, could confirm the specified areas were safe for higher-speed activities.

“Regardless of the reasons behind any unsanctioned treeclearing, the unplanned and unmapped nature of this has now impacted our understanding of the hazards that exist within the lake,” he said

“This is worrying for public safety. As water levels have risen this month, trees that would traditionally have been visible – and therefore avoidable – may now sit just below the surface.”