Record numbers of visitors enjoy Seqwater recreation facilities

Visitors have flocked to Seqwater's recreation areas in south east Queensland over the Christmas/New Year period, with more than 160,000 people visiting the utility agency's lakes.

The holiday visitation brings the 2013 visitor total to more than 2.6 million visitors, the largest number to ever visit Seqwater recreation sites in a single year.

Explaining that the figures show how popular Seqwater's lakes are with locals and visitors, acting Queensland Energy and Water Supply Minister Andrew Cripps "for years repeated calls from Queenslanders for greater recreational access to the lakes were ignored.

"It took the (current Queensland) Government to recognise there was more scope for recreational use while at the same time protecting the integrity of water storages.

"Dams across south east Queensland offer some of Australia's most enjoyable recreational experiences, from camping, fishing and canoeing, through to water skiing and jet skiing."

The high visitor numbers follow on from the huge interest in Seqwater's recreation management review, which kicked off in June 2013.

Minister Cripps added "just over six months into the review, the response has been very encouraging. More than 3,000 organisations and individuals have taken the opportunity to help shape the future of recreation on Seqwater's dams.

"The review will continue over the coming months, with consultation on future recreation opportunities at more lakes across the region, as well as the release of the resulting lake recreation guides and management plans."

Seqwater acting Chief Executive Peter Dennis said the most popular recreation sites over the holidays were Lakes Wivenhoe, Somerset and Samsonvale (North Pine Dam) and Hinze Dam.

Dennis added "the activities on offer at these lakes include fishing, canoeing, bush walking and picnicking, making them great places to relax over the holiday break."

Seqwater seeks to balance the ongoing health of catchments and quality of the region's drinking water supply, while providing access to a range of water-based and on-shore activities.

For more information go to www.seqwater.com.au/

Image: Hinze Dam.