Number 7 Dam

Number 7 Dam is the largest dam built on the Dee River in Mount Morgan, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia. It is also known as Big Dam.[1] It is the primary supply of water to the town of Mount Morgan.[2]

Number 7 Dam
Cormorants enjoying artificial PVC fish habitat in the dam, 2022
Number 7 Dam is located in Queensland
Number 7 Dam
Number 7 Dam
Location2km North East of Mount Morgan, Queensland
Coordinates23.6449°S 150.407°E / -23.6449; 150.407
Typereservoir
Primary outflowsDee River
Basin countriesAustralia

History

The dam, officially known as the No. 7 Dam, was built by Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company Limited upstream from the Mount Morgan mine in 1900. Due to a serious drought at the time, the dam was not filled until May 1904. The wall was raised by 4.5 metres in 1999. It remained unfilled until 22 November 2000 when water poured over the top of the dam for the first time.[3]

In 2019, artificial fish habitats were introduced into the dam waters to support the release of golden perch fingerlings and other species to improve opportunities for recreational fishing.[4]

In 2021, the dam was depleted due to drought conditions and water had to be trucked to the Mount Morgan water treatment plant at considerable expense to the Rockhampton Regional Council. In November 2022, the council proposed building a potable water pipeline connecting the Gracemere and Mount Morgan water supply networks as an alternative water supply mechanism.[2]

Recreation

The surrounds of the dam are popular for recreation with playgrounds, barbeques and picnic facilities.[5]

Fish species in the dam include yellow belly, southern saratoga, and redclaw.[6]

References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Number 7 Dam.
  1. "The Big Dam". www.mountmorgan.org.au. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  2. "Mount Morgan Water Supply Security". Rockhampton Regional Council. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  3. "Mount Morgan Attractions". 17 October 2007. Archived from the original on 17 October 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  4. Furner, Mark (17 September 2019). "Rocky reefs for Rocky dam a boost for fishing". Media statements. Queensland Government. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  5. "No. 7 Dam". Rockhampton Regional Council. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  6. "Mt Morgan No 7 Dam". Fish Queensland. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
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