THIS year marks a milestone in Queensland’s water history, with 40 years since the completion of Wivenhoe Dam.

Sixty-five-year-old Wivenhoe Field Ranger Greg Ruttley has worked with Seqwater for nearly 40 years.

He said he had fond memories working on the original construction of the dam.

“At 22, I was working for a contractor screening gravel and stockpiling sand from the river,” Mr Ruttley said.

“I would then transport these materials over to the construction site where Wivenhoe Dam was being built.

“I am proud to have contributed even a small part to the construction of the dam all those years ago.

“Now, as a Seqwater Field Ranger for the past 35-plus years, I ensure the upkeep of Lake Wivenhoe's recreation areas to create a positive experience for locals and visitors.

“Having experienced firsthand the importance of recreation at Lake Wivenhoe – I am a fisherman who used to bring my late father-in-law to the lake for a day out – it is a privilege to be part of a team that maintains these sites, helping others to create memories as well.”

Wivenhoe Dam is Southeast Queensland’s largest drinking water dam and is soon to be upgraded.

Seqwater Interim CEO Will Harpham said geotechnical investigations began in June.

“The works carefully assess the ground conditions and help to further understand the dam’s foundations,” he said.

“Work … is currently underway exploring a range of technical options for the dam upgrade, which is required to be complete by 2035.”

Fast facts

• The Wivenhoe Dam wall is 2.3 kilometres long, with five radial gates to release water. It has a catchment area of more than 7000 km2.

• At full supply level, Wivenhoe will hold 1.165 million megalitres of water.

• More than half a million people visited Lake Wivenhoe recreation sites in 2023-24.

• Visitors can boat, sail, use paddle craft equipment and fish and swim in designated areas.

• Private camping, BBQ and picnic facilities, playgrounds and multi-use trails are also on offer.