Worry over dam release
WATER levels at Tinaroo Dam are finally on the decline after a healthy wet season.
The March floods put an end to a long dry spell and rainy weather that followed sent its capacity higher, culminating in water going over the spillway for the first time in years at the end of May.
Water is now flowing out at a rate of about 1000 megalitres a day.
The dam’s capacity was at 94 per cent (413,858ML) as of 5pm yesterday.
This level will ensure farm- ers will be able to access their full irrigation allocation from the dam, dependent on capacity being over 75 per cent by July 1.
However, Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association chairman Joe Moro said farmers were concerned the release of water could have long-term negative impacts.
“With 1000 megalitres flowing out of the dam every day, irrigators won’t be impressed,” he said.
“We’ve just been declared a non-drought area, which is good, but coming out of two very dry years, it doesn’t seem wise to implement the hydro release.”
Mr Moro said the association had called for a review of the Barron Water Resource Plan to examine the release of water.
Tablelands Mayor Joe Paronella said the dam getting as high as it did this year was a wonderful achievement.
“It’s a fantastic result because this time last year, we would have been down around just above 60 or 70 per cent,” he said.
“We know that if there’s water in the dam, people use it, and that means a good result for our businesses that depend on visitors from far and wide.”