Storm King Dam

Storm King Dam is a lake created by the dam of the same name in Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia.[1] It provides water for the town of Stanthorpe.[2]

Storm King Dam
Storm King Dam, 2015
Storm King Dam
Location9 km (5.6 mi) South-East of Stanthorpe, Queensland
Coordinates28.7130°S 151.9944°E / -28.7130; 151.9944
Typereservoir
Primary inflowsQuart Pot Creek
Primary outflowsQuart Pot Creek
Basin countriesAustralia
Managing agencySouthern Downs Regional Council
Built1954
Water volume2,180 ML (77×10^6 cu ft)

History

The dam takes its name from the Storm King Mining Company which was established by John Yaldwyn and James Ross, who built an earlier dam for mining purposes. The company, in turn, took its name from the sailing ship Storm King, on which they migrated to Australia, arriving 9 February 1872.[1]

The present dam was first proposed in 1928 but was not built until 1954 by the Stanthorpe Shire Council.[3] It had filled by February 1954.[4] Following local government area amalgamations in 2008, the dam is currently operated by the Southern Downs Regional Council. It supplies water both to residents of Stanthorpe and to irrigators.[2]

The dam is increasing proving inadequate to meet the needs of the community it serves during drought periods. In 2007, Storm King Dam was carrying as little as two months supply.[2] In August 2019, the dam is expected to be dry within weeks[5]

Geography

Storm King Dam was created from Quart Pot Creek which is the only inflow and outflow of the dam.[6]

Amenities

Storm King Dam is available for recreational use, including fishing, water sports, bird watching and picnics. Fish in the dam include golden perch and murray cod. The lake attracts many water birds including pelicans. Barbeques and other picnic facilities are available. Boating is permitted on the lake, but motor boards require a permit.[7]

References
  1. "Storm King Dam (entry 32613)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  2. "Granite Belt Water Planning". Southern Downs Regional Council. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  3. "COUNCIL MEETINGS". The Brisbane Courier. 14 September 1928. p. 11. Retrieved 14 June 2015 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. "Dam is full". The Courier-Mail. Brisbane. 23 February 1954. p. 12. Retrieved 14 June 2015 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. "Weather News - Day zero approaches for Stanthorpe as locals face prospect of levy to cover cost of trucked-in water". www.weatherzone.com.au.
  6. "Queensland Globe". State of Queensland. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  7. "Storm King Dam". Queensland Government. Retrieved 14 June 2015.

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