Connolly Dam facts for kids

The Connolly Dam, also known as the Silverwood Dam, is a large wall built across Rosenthall Creek and Fitz Creek. It's located in the Darling Downs area of Queensland, Australia. This dam is super important because its main job is to provide clean drinking water for the Southern Downs Region. It's a special type of dam called a rock-fill embankment dam.

Quick facts for kids Connolly Dam
Location of the Connolly Dam in Queensland
Country	Australia
Location	Darling Downs, Queensland
Coordinates	28°21′17″S 151°59′52″E / 28.35472°S 151.99778°E / -28.35472; 151.99778
Purpose	Potable water supply
Status	Operational
Opening date	1927 (1927)
Operator(s)	Southern Downs Region Council
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Embankment dam
Impounds	Rosenthall Creek Fitz Creek
Height	22 m (72 ft)
Height (thalweg)	174 m (571 ft)
Length	145 m (476 ft)
Dam volume	115×10^3 m3 (4.1×10^6 cu ft)
Spillway type	Uncontrolled
Spillway capacity	540 m3/s (19,000 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
Total capacity	2,592 ML (0.570×10^9 imp gal; 0.685×10^9 US gal)
Catchment area	134 km2 (52 sq mi)
Surface area	52–55 ha (130–140 acres)
Maximum water depth	16 m (52 ft)

Where is Connolly Dam?

The dam is found in a beautiful mountain valley. It's about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Warwick. It's also around 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the Border Rivers area. This area marks the border between Queensland and New South Wales.

How Big is the Dam?

The Connolly Dam was finished in 1927. It's a rock-fill dam, meaning it's built mostly from rocks and earth. The dam wall stands 22 meters (72 feet) high. It stretches 145 meters (476 feet) long.

When the dam is full, it holds a huge amount of water. It can store about 2,592 megalitres of water. That's enough to fill over 1,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools! The dam is looked after by the Southern Downs Region Council.

Fun Things to Do at Connolly Dam

Connolly Dam is a great spot for fishing! The reservoir is home to several types of fish. You might catch Golden Perch or Silver Perch. There are also Murray Cod and Spangled Perch. You might even find Eel-Tailed Catfish.

• Fishing Rules:
  • Golden Perch are often caught by people using lures or flies.
  • Silver Perch and Eel-Tailed Catfish are usually caught with bait.
  • You need a special permit to fish in the dam. This is called a stocked impoundment permit.

• Boating Rules:
  • Only electric or manually powered boats are allowed on the water.
  • Gasoline outboards must be removed from your boat.
  • Only members of the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association (WDRFSA) can use boats here.
  • Boating is only allowed on weekends, from sunrise to sunset.
  • WDRFSA memberships cost $10 and can be bought from the dam caretaker.
  • There isn't a special boat ramp, but you can find many good spots to launch your boat.
  • Remember to show your membership card to the caretaker before you launch your boat.

• Other Facilities:
  • Camping is not allowed at Connolly Dam.
  • Toilets are available near the dam wall, at the lookout point.