Dam activity suggestions flood council
A NEW sailing club, mountain bike trails, camp ground and a new barramundi fishery are on the wishlists of those who want to see Ross River Dam open for recreational uses.
The survey asking people what they wanted to use the dam for recently closed, attracting a record number of submissions.
Division 4 Councillor Mark Molachino said people were passionate about expanding the use of the dam.
“Apparently it’s the best response we’ve had to any survey,” he said.
“We’re hoping to get a report on submissions, summing it all up. That will be our chance to see what the community wants and help us put together a masterplan.”
Cr Molachino said the findings should be finalised and prepared for the upcoming February Townsville City Council meeting.
With the Ross River Dam being the primary water supply for the region, the council said future use of the dam must not be detrimental to its water quality and dam catchments.
Many who completed the survey understood the importance of the city’s main water supply and largely requested allowing recreational activities that would have a minimal impact on the environment.
Guy Reece said allowing people to sail on the dam could lead to a new sailing club.
At present, people cannot use watercraft on the dam but there was a push to allow it in the survey.
Mal Scheider said allowing canoeing would have a low impact on water quality.
“This boat ramp area would be a perfect place for school groups to conduct canoeing activities,” she said.
Other suggestions included developing an area near the quarry to support sporting and training events for rowing, outrigging and sailing.
Recreational fishing has also been flagged as a possible drawcard, with the dam being stocked with barramundi.
The hope is it could rival other stocked impoundments such as Lake Monduran and Peter Faust Dam.
Townsville Barramundi Restocking Group president Rhyce Bullimore said close to 100,000 barra had been stocked in the dam over the past four years.
Bird watching, mountain biking and walking trails were also desired.