Boondooma Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boondooma Lake |
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 Boondooma Lake
Location in Queensland
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| Location | Boondooma/Okeden, 20km North of Proston, 50 km North-West of Wondai, Queensland |
| Coordinates | 26°05′47″S 151°26′06″E / 26.0963°S 151.435°E |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Boyne River, Stuart River |
| Primary outflows | Boyne River |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Surface area | 18.15 km2 (7.01 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Water volume | 204,200 ML (165,500 acre⋅ft) |
| Surface elevation | 280.4 m (920 ft) |
| Dam | Boondooma Dam |
Boondooma Dam is a large dam in Queensland, Australia. It was built across the Boyne River in 1983. The dam is located where the Boyne River meets the Stuart River. It sits on the border of Boondooma and Proston in the South Burnett Region.
This dam creates a long, deep lake called Boondooma Lake. It holds a huge amount of water, about 204,200 million litres! The lake's average depth is about 11 metres (36 feet). Its design helps prevent too much water from evaporating, which is important in Australia's climate.
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Why Was Boondooma Dam Built?
The main reason Boondooma Dam was built was to provide water. It supplies water to the Tarong Power Station. Power stations need a lot of water to help make electricity. The dam also gives water to farms in the area for irrigation. This helps crops grow, even when there isn't much rain.
Keeping Water Levels High
The dam usually sends 50 to 80 million litres of water to the power station every day. To make sure there's always enough water, even during a drought, the dam is connected to a special water project. This project helps keep the water levels steady so electricity can always be made.
Dam Safety Upgrades
SunWater is the group that manages Boondooma Dam. They are working on making sure the dam is super safe. They plan to upgrade the spillway, which is a part of the dam that lets out extra water during floods. This project will help keep everyone safe.
Fun Things to Do at Boondooma Dam
Boondooma Dam is a popular spot for outdoor fun! Since 2001, the local council has managed the camping and recreation areas. You can stay in cabins, bring your caravan, or set up a tent by the lake. There are also picnic spots for day trips. Many people enjoy fishing, swimming, sailing, and water skiing here.
Fishing at the Dam
Boondooma Dam is a great place to fish. The lake is regularly stocked with different types of fish. This means young fish like bass, golden perch, silver perch, and barramundi are added. You can also find natural fish like eel-tailed catfish and bony bream. If you want to fish, you'll need a special Stocked Impoundment Permit.
In the 1990s, many barramundi were put into the dam. People thought this was the furthest south these fish could live. While some have been caught, they seem to do better closer to the coast.
Boating Adventures
The dam has two boat ramps, making it easy to launch your boat. You don't need a special permit to go boating here. There are no limits on boating, but remember to stay away from the dam wall. That area is a special no-fishing and no-boating zone for safety.
