Low Cania Dam water levels lead to Boat/Outboard motor damages
Low water levels on Cania Dam at Monto have led to boats and outboard engines being damaged when they have struck submerged objects.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol Wondai District Officer, Jeff Krause, said Cania Dam is currently about 4 percent capacity and the lack of water has meant many submerged and semi submerged solid objects such as rocks, tree stumps and fence posts have become a danger to boaties.

“We have had several recent instances where boats have hit these objects causing severe damage to outboard motors. In one instance the entire motor was torn from a boat and has not been found. Damage to boat hulls has also occurred.”

“We have real concerns that people may be injured through boats striking a semi or submerged object at speed.” Mr Krause said.

He said these type of accidents are called marine incidents and under the Marine Safety Act 1994, the owner/driver of a boat involved must complete a marine incident report form. They are required to report any incident to Queensland Transport or the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol within 48 hours of the incident occurring. People in remote areas can report the incident to the local Police. A marine incident report form must be completed soon afterwards.

Mr Krause said Cania dam contains good stocks of Australian Bass, Golden and Silver Perch, Eel-Tail Catfish and Saratoga and is a popular place for recreational fishers to go to.

“We are asking anyone who uses boats on Cania Dam, or any inland waters, to take care and familiarise themselves with the area. They should also be aware that inland water levels fluctuate and extra care should be taken on a daily basis. Just because the water level was enough to traverse an area yesterday does not mean it is at the same level today. Dam water is used for irrigation, and in some instances if released can reduce the water level of the dam upto a meter overnight.” Mr Krause said.

Safety tips for freshwater boating

Always be on the lookout for obstacles in the water.

Freshwater is not as buoyant as salt water and life jackets are essential.

Inland waters can become rough quickly, especially in dams located in mountainous areas where very strong winds are funnelled through the surrounding valleys creating short steep waves.

Beware of fluctuating water levels in rivers and dams.

Heavy rain can cause strong currents and carries debris.

Stay clear of spillways and dam walls. It is on offence to navigate a boat within 100m of these structures.

Safety equipment required may include:

Lifejackets for each person on board the boat. The lifejacket must be the appropriate size for each person 12 months and over.

A signalling device for all boats between sunset and sunrise

Fire fighting equipment for all boats over 5 metres

It is recommended that you should carry pumping or bailing equipment, anchoring equipment, oars or paddles and extra drinking water for each person on board.

Further information Jeff Krause 07 4168 5793,
Media Officer: Mark Dawson 07 5430 4951, mob 0407 756 859
Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
PO Box 5165 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre 4560. Ph 07 5430 4911 Fax 07 5430 4994
DPI Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23