Connolly Dam

The Connolly Dam, also called the Silverwood Dam,[4] is a rock–fill embankment dam with an un–gated spillway across the Rosenthall Creek and the Fitz Creek that is located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia. The main purpose of the dam is for potable water supply of the Southern Downs Region.[1][3]

Connolly Dam
Location of the Connolly Dam in Queensland
CountryAustralia
LocationDarling Downs, Queensland
Coordinates28°21′17″S 151°59′52″E
Purpose
StatusOperational
Opening date
  • 1927 (1927)
Operator(s)Southern Downs Region Council
Dam and spillways
Type of damEmbankment dam
Impounds
  • Rosenthall Creek
  • Fitz Creek
Height22 m (72 ft)[1]
Height (thalweg)174 m (571 ft)[2]
Length145 m (476 ft)[1]
Dam volume115×10^3 m3 (4.1×10^6 cu ft)[1]
Spillway typeUncontrolled
Spillway capacity540 m3/s (19,000 cu ft/s)[1]
Reservoir
Total capacity2,592 ML (0.570×10^9 imp gal; 0.685×10^9 US gal)[3]
Catchment area134 km2 (52 sq mi)[1]
Surface area52–55 ha (130–140 acres)[1][3]
Maximum water depth16 m (52 ft)

Location and features

The dam is located in a pristine mountain valley 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) southeast of Warwick and approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the Border Rivers region that generally defines the border between Queensland and New South Wales.

Completed in 1927, the rock–fill dam structure is 22 metres (72 ft) high and 145 metres (476 ft) long. The 115-thousand-cubic-metre (4.1×10^6 cu ft) dam wall holds back the 2,592-megalitre (0.570×10^9 imp gal; 0.685×10^9 US gal) reservoir when at full capacity. The uncontrolled un-gated spillway has a discharge capacity of 710 cubic metres per second (25,000 cu ft/s).[1] The dam is managed by the Southern Downs Region Council.[3]

Recreational activities

Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Murray Cod, Spangled perch and Eel-Tailed Catfish may be found in the reservoir. Golden Perch dominate most catches for lure/fly anglers, while Silver Perch and Eel-Tailed Catfish (dewfish) are more of a bait fishing prospect. A stocked impoundment permit is required to fish in the dam.[5]

Connolly Dam is an "electric only" impoundment (outboards must be taken off) meaning only electric or manually powered craft may be used. Only members of the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association (WDRFSA) may take craft on the waterway, and only on weekends between sunrise and sunset. WDRFSA memberships are available from the caretaker at the dam currently costing $10. There is no boat ramp but there are many ideal locations around the dam to launch a boat. Membership cards must be shown to the caretaker prior to launching watercraft.

Camping is not permitted at Connolly Dam. Toilets are provided at the lookout adjacent to dam wall.

See also

References
  1. "Register of Large Dams in Australia" (Excel (requires download)). Dams information. Australian National Committee on Large Dams. 2010. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
  2. "Local Dams". Warwick Events. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  3. Harrison, Rod; James, Ernie; Sully, Chris; Classon, Bill; Eckermann, Joy (2008). Queensland Dams. Bayswater, Victoria: Australian Fishing Network. ISBN 978-1-86513-134-4.
  4. "Connolly Dam ( Silverwood Dam ) - Warwick. Qld". Sweetwater Fishing Australia. Garry Fitzgerald. 2006. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  5. "Do I need a permit to go fishing in a dam?". Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Queensland Government. 5 February 2013. Archived from the original on 4 July 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
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