Kinchant Dam Releases Lift as Catchment Levels Surge

Controlled water releases were underway over the weekend at Kinchant Dam as authorities responded to ongoing and forecast heavy rainfall across the dam’s catchment.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 18 February, Sunwater confirmed release rates would increase from approximately 648 megalitres per day to around 1,250 megalitres per day in preparation for further weather impacts.

Sunwater warned the increased flows may contribute to localised flooding downstream, with reports of minor impacts already circulating since Tuesday, 17 February. Residents in affected areas were urged to remain vigilant as conditions continued to evolve.

Excess water releases commenced at 8:45am on Wednesday after the dam reached its maximum operating level of 87 per cent. Earlier advice issued on Tuesday morning indicated the dam was likely to reach this threshold later that day, with flows expected into Sandy Creek.

At that time, residents downstream of the dam — including those near Sandy Creek, Mirani and Eton — were advised to stay informed and monitor conditions closely. Water flows were expected to impact Antoneys Crossing and Curran’s Crossing, with increased flows forecast within six to 12 hours.

Catchment levels have been rising steadily throughout February. On the morning of Wednesday, 4 February, Sunwater reported the dam peaked at 56.69 metres, reaching 80.30 per cent capacity. By that afternoon, levels had increased to 82.26 per cent.

The most significant rise was recorded on Monday, 16 February, when levels jumped from 83.92 per cent to 87.10 per cent in just 24 hours.

As of Wednesday, 25 February, the catchment was sitting at 84.68 per cent capacity, holding 61,169 megalitres of water at a height of 57.03 metres - just 1.18 metres below the dam’s spillway level.

On Sunday, 22 February, after almost five days of releasing excess water, Sunwater confirmed Kinchant Dam had now returned to regular operating conditions, and releases have now ceased after the catchment recorded a capacity of approximately 84 per cent.

“Sunwater’s thoughts are with any communities in Queensland who may be experiencing flooding due to extreme weather,” said a Sunwater spokesperson.

“Due to recent rainfall across North and Central Queensland, several Sunwater dams are spilling or close to capacity, and minor releases from Kinchant Dam ceased on Sunday 22 February.”

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, 25 February, Peter Faust Dam reached a capacity of 96.72 per cent, 16.81 per cent below the historical high recorded in late March, 2011 of 113.53 per cent.

Sunwater assured they do not expect Peter Faust Dam to spill based on current forecasts, however warned conditions could change rapidly and are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding.

“Sunwater is closely monitoring conditions across dam catchments and liaising with Local Disaster Management Groups as necessary. We will continue to provide updates regarding individual dams as per Emergency Action Plan requirements,” the spokesperson said.

“We would urge the community to remain vigilant near rising water courses and listen to advice from councils and emergency services - and if it’s flooded, forget it.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring Kinchant Dam storage levels, tuning in to ABC Tropical North on 101.1 FM, and checking local updates, road closures and evacuation information through Mackay Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard. River and rainfall conditions can also be monitored via the Bureau of Meteorology.

In an emergency, residents should call Triple Zero (000). For flood assistance, contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500 or through the SES Assistance QLD app.

1. Peter Faust Dam reached a capacity level of 96.72 per cent earlier this week. Photo credit: Cr John Collins
2. Water releases at Kinchant Dam have now ceased. Photo source: Sunwater