Lenthalls Dam tailwater area to be permanently closed

The Lenthalls Dam tailwater area will be permanently closed to keep the community safe.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Zane O’Keefe said Lake Lenthall was a fantastic recreational facility for those who enjoy camping, boating, fishing and kayaking, but it was important everyone stayed away from the tailwater area below the spillway.

“Lake Lenthall is stocked with barramundi and Australian bass so is a popular spot for recreational fishing, but a growing number of fishers have been accessing an area immediately downstream of the dam,” he said.

“This area can be dangerous as large volumes of water can be released rapidly when the dam gates operate.

“Council has signs installed highlighting that the area is a no-go zone but 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 has resolved to permanently close the area below Lenthalls Dam spillway to public access under our local laws so that people who repeatedly enter this area can be issued with fines.

“The closure of a 5.7 hectare section of the area downstream of Lenthalls Dam aligns with what occurs in State Government controlled public waterways, which are generally closed to fishing up to 600 metres downstream of water infrastructure such as dams, weirs and barrages.”

More information about Lake Lenthall, including the rules around camping, boating and fishing in the area, is available here - https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/lake-lenthall