Townsville City Council's Planning and Development Committee yesterday recommended progressing to Stage 2 of a proposal to open the Ross River Dam for more recreational uses.
Stage 2 of the proposal includes creating a community engagement strategy and the development of a Ross River Dam Recreation Management Plan (RRDRMP).
Planning and Development Committee Chair Cr Les Walker said Council had carefully considered the plan and the benefits to the community.
"Council is always looking for ways to enhance liveability of Townsville and further investigating access to outdoor activities on Ross River Dam is another example," Cr Walker said.
Division 4 Councillor Mark Molachino said residents in the area had expressed they want the Dam to be opened for more recreational use.
"The community has been supportive about opening the Dam for more recreational uses and I'm happy to see this progressing," Cr Molachino said.
"This was a commitment I made to the community and have continued to push for – it's great to see the benefits of more recreational activities in the area being considered."
Reports written by water and planning experts recommended further recreational uses be considered on the Dam as part of staged infrastructure projects, including scheduled upgrades to the Douglas Water Treatment Plant.
"The Ross River Dam currently functions in a number of ways and Council staff have taken this into consideration," Cr Walker said.
The proposal will go to the next Full Council meeting for final consideration.
