Flood preparation
We hold regular scenario testing to ensure our team are ready to respond in the event of a flood or extreme weather event.
GAWB also carries out hydraulic model testing to see how Awoonga Dam will respond in the event of a major flood event. You can see the footage here.
Drought resilience
Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) takes a long-term, planned approach to water security. We invest in Infrastructure upgrades and pipelines to operate our network to maintain water supply for the Central Queensland region. Our aim is to provide a safe, resilient and reliable supply, including through periods of low inflows and extended drought.
Our approach focuses on maintaining water availability as conditions change and reducing the impact of drought on our customers over time.
Built for safe, resilient, reliable supply
GAWB manages two water sources: Awoonga Dam, which captures water from the Boyne River, and the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP), which draws on water from the lower Fitzroy River.
With two water sources, GAWB has the infrastructure and operational flexibility to continue delivering a safe, resilient and reliable water supply to customers, including during changing weather conditions and extended dry periods.
This approach reduces reliance on any single source or short-term rainfall and strengthens long-term water security for the region.
For every litre supplied from the Fitzroy River through the FGP, a litre of water remains in Awoonga Dam, helping to preserve reserves for future use.
Why drought resilience matters
Central Queensland experiences variable rainfall, including extended dry periods. GAWB plans for these conditions by maintaining supply through low inflow periods and reducing exposure to drought risk over time.
Reliable water supply underpins industry, jobs and economic activity across Central Queensland. It provides confidence for existing customers and future investment by ensuring water is available when it is needed.
Strengthening water security also supports regional resilience by reducing the impact of drought conditions over time, meaning customer remain on full supply for longer.
A planned approach to water security
Drought resilience is an ongoing process. GAWB continues to monitor system performance, review future supply and demand, and plan for changing conditions.
This ensures the water supply system remains prepared for both current and future challenges.
Water restrictions
Water restrictions are introduced when water supply levels decline over time and need to be managed to maintain long-term availability.
GAWB has a staged approach to managing water supply during extended dry periods, which includes monitoring storage levels, managing demand and, if required, introducing restrictions. The modelling which supports this considers Awoonga Dam storage and the capacity to transport water through the FGP.
If restrictions are being considered for implementation, GAWB will provide transparent and timely communications to customers and the community.
We are currently in normal conditions, with more than five years of water supply available.
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Normal conditions |
More than five years of water supply available |
Water supply operates as usual with no restrictions |
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Increased monitoring / Low Supply Alert |
Five years or 60 months of reliable water supply available |
Monitoring and planning increases as supply reduces over time |
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Restrictions may be required / Level 1-3 |
If available water supply reaches: Four years (48 months) – level one restrictions Three years (36 months) – level two restrictions Two years (24 months) – level three restrictions |
Restrictions may be introduced to reduce demand and protect supply. |
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Higher restrictions / Level 4-5 |
If available water supply is one year or less |
Further restrictions may be required to maintain critical supply. |