Sunwater Dam Open Days go digital

Queenslanders can find out all about some of the state’s most important dams through a unique Augmented Reality (AR) experience.

The Callide and Burdekin Falls Dam Open Days are being delivered digitally this year and are available from today via the Sunwater website.

Using AR technology to run a Dam Open Day is a first for Sunwater, according to Executive General Manager Water Resources and Dam Safety James Stuart.

“Like many organisations, we have had to be flexible and think differently about how best to deliver programs to our customers and the community in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis,” he said.

“For the Callide and Burdekin Falls Dam Open Days, it was important to find a way to share vital information with the community, while ensuring everyone remains safe and we’re delighted to have found a way to do that.”

Developed for the Dam Open Days, Sunwater’s immersive AR experience covers safety hazards and risks at water storages, how dams work and how to prepare for weather events and potential emergencies.

To participate, attendees can just print the Dam Open Day map and step-by-step instructions from Sunwater’s website. They can then access the interactive features with a smart phone or tablet camera.

Unlike many other AR tools, the Sunwater experience is web-based so there is no need to download a mobile app.

“Our Dam Open Days are popular events, which give people a chance to chat with our team members, learn who we are, what we do and how our dams work,” Mr Stuart said.

“While we are disappointed we couldn’t come together for a traditional Dam Open Day event, we hope this year’s AR experience is both educational and a bit of fun.”

Sunwater encourages all members of the community to check out the AR experience from the comfort and safety of their own home.