With Awoonga Dam now sitting below 44% capacity (as of 27 october 2025), Gladstone Area Water Board has closed two recreational assets due to falling water levels and in the interest of public safety.
From 27 October 2025, the Trevor Burgess Boat Ramp at Boynedale Bush Camp and the swimming pontoon at Ironbark Gully, have closed indefinitely. The Ironbark Gully swimming pontoon has been removed.
Gladstone Area Water Board CEO Darren Barlow said the two closures are critical for public safety.
“When we opened the Trevor Burgess boat ramp and the swimming pontoons, the dam was at a much higher capacity and could be safely used by the public,” Mr Barlow said.
“Since then, we have had limited rain over the Lake Awoonga catchment and dam capacity continues to fall.
“We are committed to providing safe recreational assets, and after careful consideration we determined it was no longer safe to use the Trevor Burgess boat ramp and swimming pontoon at Ironbark Gully, with the water being so low.
“We recognise this might be disappointing news. However, it’s in the interest of public safety that we make this decision.”
The following areas remain open:
- Main Boat Ramp loading pontoon at Ironbark Gully,
- Main Boat Ramp at Ironbark Gully,
- Swimming pontoon at Riverston Bay.
GAWB will continue regular monitoring of these facilities. However, further closures may be required if we don’t receive significant rainfall over the catchment.
Declining water levels at Lake Awoonga have also aggravated another public safety issue – submerged hazards are now beginning to appear.
“It’s important to remember that Lake Awoonga, just like any dam or weir, contains submerged hazards, which can be exposed at different water levels”, Mr Barlow said.
“These submerged hazards can be tricky to see in the water and can include rocks, trees/stumps, debris and old structures. We have also had reports of snakes such as Eastern Brown Snakes, in the water as they travel further afield for hydration and food.
“Please take care while on the water of Lake Awoonga, remain aware of your surroundings and follow all directions on all signage and floating barriers”, Mr Barlow said.