Mary River
History
The Mary River Water Supply Scheme was developed to stabilise rural production in the area through a reliable water supply. The project was approved in 1978 with construction commencing in 1980 and finishing in late 1988.
The Mary River Water Supply Scheme was followed by the construction of the Cedar Pocket Dam, which commenced in 1982 and was completed in 1984. The Cedar Pocket Dam provides regulated water supplies along Deep Creek, a tributary of the Mary River.
Uses of Water
Irrigation
Water is mainly used for the irrigation of fodder crops on dairy farms, improved pastures on grazing properties and for horticultural and agricultural production. Tree crops such as macadamia nuts and citrus are also grown.
Urban Water Supplies
The townships of Gympie, Imbil and Tiaro, and the city of Noosa draw water from the scheme.
Industrial
Various industrial enterprises are supplied including manufacturing and processing.
Major Storage
Borumba Dam
The major storage for the Mary River Water Supply Scheme is Borumba Dam, which is situated on Yabba Creek.
Borumba Dam releases water Yabba Creek, downstream to its junction with the Mary River, and along the Mary River from the Yabba Creek junction to the upstream ponded limit of the Mary River Barrage.
Channel/Pipeline System
The Lower Mary River Channel/Pipeline System is located downstream of Tiaro along the Mary River, and downstream of Teddington Weir on Tinana Creek. Teddington Weir is owned and operated by Maryborough City Council.