Fines for fishing in Lenthalls Dam exclusion zone

The Lenthalls Dam recreation area and boat ramp have reopened following the recent flooding, but anyone caught fishing near the spillway exclusion zone face fines of up to $275.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said Lake Lenthall was a fantastic recreational facility for those who enjoyed camping, boating, fishing and kayaking, but it was important everyone stayed away from the area below the spillway.

“Lenthalls Dam has regularly risen above 100 per cent in recent weeks as a result of the significant rain we have received,” he said.

“The area below the spillway remains off limits as high volumes of water can be released rapidly when the dam gates operate automatically.

“There is a well signed exclusion zone extending 400 metres downstream of the spillway to prevent people from being injured or drowned. Unfortunately, some members of the public continue to ignore public safety advice and are willing to risk their lives just to go fishing.

“This reckless behaviour is not on. Council will be using powers under our local laws to close the area below Lenthalls Dam spillway to public access with rangers to conduct patrols and issue fines of up to $275.”

Cr Everard said while the area was already well-signed, Council would be installing additional signage in coming weeks to warn that fines would apply for unauthorised access.

More information about Lake Lenthall is available on Council’s website here - www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/lake-lenthall-4

Fast Facts about Lenthalls Dam

• The lake has a surface area of about 766 ha and holds 29,500 megalitres of water at full supply.
• The dam supplies water to Howard, Burrum Heads, Toogoom, Torbanlea and Hervey Bay.
• It is situated at the headwaters of the Burrum River.