Speed limit introduced at Tinaroo Falls Dam

Sunwater is urging recreation users to be aware that a six-knot speed limit has been put in place for some areas of Tinaroo Falls Dam, south-west of Cairns from today.

It is important all users adhere to speed limits for safety reasons.

Boaties planning to get on the water this holiday season can continue to access up to 300 hectares of the dam that remains exempt from the speed limit until the level reaches 36.8 per cent.

This includes 240 hectares of additional gazetted areas for boating activities recently reviewed and approved by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).A map of these areas has been provided by MSQ and is available on the Sunwater website – http://bit.ly/MSQspeedzones

The new areas have been made available following a safe hazard reduction program led by Sunwater.

The program included tree cutting and an underwater survey to assess the extent of submerged hazards within Tinaroo Falls Dam.

Based on historical data, if the dam receives minimum inflows it is forecast to reach 36.8 per cent in June 2021. If average inflows are recorded, this timeframe will be further extended.

Sunwater has signage in place at boat ramps informing recreation users about the restrictions.

It is important to note that the skipper of any vessel is primarily responsible for monitoring safe conditions and operating their vessel appropriately.
Sunwater asks anyone visiting Tinaroo Falls Dam for recreation purposes to take care.

Submerged objects such as tree branches, stumps, sharp rocks, loose or slippery rocks, sandbanks and debris are always present and can cause serious injury.

Visitors should read signs, beware of hazards, stay aware of their surroundings so they can enjoy waterways safely.

Sunwater will keep the community updated of any changes.

For more information, please visit the Maritime Safety Queensland website – www.msq.qld.gov.au

Contact the Sunwater media team on (07) 3120 0047 or media@sunwater.com.au