Paluma Dam is an embankment dam across Swamp Creek, situated on the western slopes of the Paluma Range, north of Townsville.[1] The reservoir formed by Paluma Dam is known as Lake Paluma. Paluma Dam is managed by Townsville City Council.[2]
| Lake Paluma | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Lake Paluma | |
| Location | City of Townsville, Queensland |
| Coordinates | 18°57′14″S 146°08′53″E / 18.9539°S 146.148°E |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Swamp Creek |
| Primary outflows | Pipeline to Crystal Creek, Swamp Creek |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Water volume | 11,830 megalitres (15,470,000 cu yd) |
| Surface elevation | 893.2 metres (2,930 ft) |
The embankment is approximately 255 metres (837 ft) long and has a 60.9 metres (200 ft) long spillway. In addition to the main embankment, there are two saddle dams. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 11,830 megalitres (15,470,000 cu yd).[1] The reservoir is surrounded by the Paluma Range National Park, but does not form a part of the park.[3]
Water decanted from the dam is piped 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) to the Crystal Creek catchment, on the eastern slopes of the Paluma Range. This water supplements natural flow in Crystal Creek, which is drawn from for supply of water to the city of Townsville. Maximum outflow from the dam is 43.2 ML/day.[1]
Paluma Dam was constructed between 1957 and 1958. The original storage capacity was 10,273 ML. This was increased to 11,496 ML in 1981 and then to 11,830 ML in 2020. These increases in capacity were achieved by adding flashboards to the spillway.[2]
Paluma Dam can be accessed via Paluma Dam Road. The lake and the surrounding national park are used for recreational activities such as camping, hiking, swimming and non-motorised boating.
References
edit- ^ a b c "Paluma Dam Emergency Action Plan 2021" (PDF). Townsville City Council. pp. 11–12. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
- ^ a b Water Supply: Paluma Dam. City of Townsville. Retrieved on 15 November 2021.
- ^ "Nature Conservation (Protected Areas) Regulation 1994". Queensland Legislation. p. 35. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
External links
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