View source for Somerset Dam

{{about|the dam|the town|Somerset Dam, Queensland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox dam
| name                  = Somerset Dam
| name_official         = 
| image                 = SomersetDamWallNew.JPG
| image_size            = 250
| image_caption         = Wall of Somerset Dam
| image_alt             = 
| location_map          = Queensland
| location_map_size     = 
| location_map_caption  = Location of the Somerset Dam in [[Queensland]]
| coordinates           = {{coord|-27.1154|152.5566|format=dms|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|display=inline,title}}
| country               = Australia
| location              = [[South East Queensland]]
| purpose               = {{unbulleted list|[[Potable water|Potable]] [[water supply]]|[[Flood mitigation]]|Recreation|[[hydro-electric power|Hydroelectricity]]<ref name=ancold/>}}
| status                = O
| construction_began    = {{start date|1935}}
| opening               = {{start date|1959}}
| demolished            = 
| cost                  = 
| operator              = [[Seqwater|SEQ Water]]
| dam_type              = G
| dam_height            = {{convert|50|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=ancold/>
| dam_height_thalweg    = 
| dam_height_foundation = 
| dam_length            = {{convert|305|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=ancold/>
| dam_width_crest       = 
| dam_width_base        = {{convert|41|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=somerset/>
| dam_volume            = {{convert|203|e3m3|abbr=on}}<ref name=ancold/>
| dam_elevation_crest   = 
| dam_crosses           = [[Stanley River (Queensland)|Stanley River]]
| spillway_count        = 
| spillway_type         = [[Spillway#Type|Gated]]
| spillway_capacity     = {{convert|4650|m3/s|abbr=on}}<ref name=ancold/>
| res_name              = Lake Somerset
| res_capacity_total    = {{convert|904000|ML|e9impgal+e9USgal|abbr=on}}<ref name=somerset/>
| res_capacity_active   = {{convert|380000|ML|e9impgal+e9USgal|abbr=on}}<ref name=ancold/><ref name="seqwater">{{cite web|url=http://www.seqwater.com.au/water-supply/dam-operations/somerset-dam|title=Somerset Dam|work=Dams and weirs|publisher=[[Seqwater|SEQ Water]]|access-date=7 July 2014|archive-date=14 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414022238/http://seqwater.com.au/water-supply/dam-operations/somerset-dam|url-status=live}}</ref>
| res_capacity_inactive = {{convert|524000|ML|e9impgal+e9USgal|abbr=on}}<ref name=somerset/>
| res_catchment         = {{convert|1330|km2|abbr=on}}<ref name=ancold/>
| res_surface           = {{convert|4350|ha|abbr=on}}<ref name=ancold/>
| res_elevation         = {{convert|108|m|abbr=on}} {{AHD}}
| res_max_depth         = 
| res_max_length        = {{convert|52|m|abbr=on}}
| res_max_width         = {{convert|7|m|abbr=on}}
| plant_name            = Somerset Dam
| plant_coordinates     = 
| plant_operator        = 
| plant_commission      = {{start date|1959}}
| plant_decommission    = 
| plant_type            = 
| plant_hydraulic_head  = 
| plant_turbines        = 
| plant_capacity        = {{convert|3.2|MW|abbr=on}}
| plant_annual_gen      = {{convert|12|GWh|abbr=on}}
| website               = {{URL|http://www.seqwater.com.au/water-supply/dam-operations/somerset-dam|www.seqwater.com.au}}
}}
The '''Somerset Dam''' is a [[concrete|mass concrete]] [[gravity dam]] with a [[Spillway#Types|gated spillway]] across the [[Stanley River (Queensland)|Stanley River]] in [[Queensland]], Australia. It is within the locality of [[Somerset Dam, Queensland|Somerset Dam]] in the [[Somerset Region]] in [[South East Queensland]]. The main purpose of the dam is the [[water supply|supply]] of [[potable water]] for the [[Brisbane]], [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]] and [[Logan City]] regions. Additionally, the dam provides for [[flood mitigation]], recreation and for the generation of [[hydro-electric power|hydroelectricity]].<ref name=ancold>{{cite web|url=http://www.ancold.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Dams-Australia-2010-v1-for-website.xls|format=[[Microsoft Excel|Excel]] (requires download)|title=Register of Large Dams in Australia|publisher=[[Australian National Committee on Large Dams]]|year=2010|access-date=4 July 2014|work=Dams information|archive-date=12 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212120804/http://www.ancold.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Dams-Australia-2010-v1-for-website.xls|url-status=dead}}</ref> The impounded [[reservoir]] is called '''Lake Somerset'''.

As early as the 1960s it had become clear that the dam could not meet the water requirements of the region by the 1980s.<ref name="waa">{{cite news |last=Doyle |first=Kate |date=16 January 202 |title=What astounds about floods in Brisbane is that they continue to take us by surprise |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-16/brisbane-flood-history-should-not-take-people-by-surprise/13051826 |work=ABC News |access-date=27 November 2023 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121090304/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-16/brisbane-flood-history-should-not-take-people-by-surprise/13051826 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The dam, lake and surrounding village of Somerset are named in honour of [[Henry Plantagenet Somerset]], a local grazier and Member of the [[Legislative Assembly of Queensland]] who represented the seat of [[Electoral district of Stanley (Queensland)|Stanley]]<ref name=somerset>{{cite web|url=http://www.somersetdam.com.au/about/|title=About|work=Somerset Dam, Queensland|access-date=7 July 2014|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213326/http://www.somersetdam.com.au/about/|url-status=live}}</ref> from 1904 until 1920.

==Location and features==
[[File:CampingSomerset.JPG|thumb|left|Camping near Lake Somerset.]]
[[File:Somerset Dam 2 Villeneuve Queensland.jpg|thumb|left|Lake Somerset at 100% capacity, [[Villeneuve, Queensland|Villeneuve]], 2015]]
The dam is located approximately {{convert|115|km}} northwest of {{QLDcity|Brisbane}} in the [[Somerset Region]] and {{convert|80|km}} north of {{QLDcity|Ipswich}}.

The concrete dam structure is {{convert|50|m}} high and {{convert|305|m}} long. The {{convert|203|e3m3|adj=on}} dam wall holds back the {{convert|904000|ML|e9impgal+e9USgal|adj=on}}<ref name=somerset/> reservoir when at full capacity. However, only {{convert|380000|ML|e9impgal+e9USgal}} is used for water supply and the remainder used for flood mitigation.  From a [[drainage basin|catchment area]] of {{convert|1330|km2}} that includes much of the western slopes of the [[D'Aguilar National Park]], the dam creates Lake Somerset at an elevation of {{convert|108|m|abbr=on}} [[Australian Height Datum|above sea level]], with a surface area of {{convert|4350|ha|acre}}. The gated spillway has a discharge capacity of {{convert|4650|m3/s}}.<ref name=ancold/> Built under the supervision of the Bureau of Industry, management of the dam was transferred to [[Seqwater|SEQ Water]] in July 2008 as part of a [[water security]] project in the South East Queensland region, known as the [[South East Queensland Water Grid]].<ref name="cc">{{cite web|url=http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/news/local/news/political/water-funds-slash-debt/805745.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110706101929/http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/news/local/news/political/water-funds-slash-debt/805745.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 July 2011|title=Water funds slash debt|author=Hurst, Daniel|access-date=21 April 2008|date=7 July 2009|work=The Bayside Bulletin}}</ref> A small {{convert|4|MW}} hydroelectric power station is located adjacent to the dam wall.

A water level of 90% is the optimum capacity for keeping [[evaporation]] rates to a minimum. Dam operators discharge water into the [[Wivenhoe Dam]] downstream to hold Somerset at this level when inflows are occurring.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,27574,25286543-3102,00.html|title=Somerset Dam water released as deluge delivers supply bonus|author=Williams, Brian|access-date=24 April 2008|date=4 April 2009|work=[[The Courier Mail]]|location=Queensland|archive-date=6 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406210946/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,27574,25286543-3102,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The dam is home to the [[Somerset Dam Power Station]].

===Construction===
The site was first suggested for the location of a dam by Henry Somerset, the owner of [[Caboonbah Homestead]], after the [[1893 Brisbane flood]]s caused severe damage to [[Brisbane River]] valley residents downstream.<ref name="heritage"/> A commission of enquiry recommended Stanley Gorge as the site for a dam in 1928, but it was not until 1933 when Brisbane was in a severe [[drought]],<ref name="waa"/> that the [[William Forgan Smith|Forgan Smith]] [[Australian Labor Party (Queensland Branch)|Labor]] [[Government of Queensland|Government]] adopted the reservoir's construction as a major job creation project to counter job losses caused by the [[Great Depression in Australia|Great Depression]].<ref name="heritage"/>

Construction began in 1935.<ref name="heritage">{{cite book |title=Heritage Trails of the Great South East|department=Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland)|year=2000|publisher=[[Government of Queensland|The State of Queensland]]|isbn=0-7345-1008-X |pages=49–50 }}</ref> Worker's cottages had to be built and other facilities were constructed to attract {{formatnum:1000}} construction workers and their families to the area.<ref name="heritage"/> By 1942 the dam was almost complete when workers were diverted to the [[World War II|war]] effort, with many being redeployed to construct the [[Cairncross Dockyard]] in Brisbane. Work on the dam recommenced in 1948.<ref name="seqdc">{{cite web|url=http://www.seqwater.com.au/content/standard.asp?name=DC_Somerset |title=SEQWater - Dam Construction |access-date=11 May 2009 |publisher=[[Seqwater|SEQ Water]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010194319/http://www.seqwater.com.au/content/standard.asp?name=DC_Somerset |archive-date=10 October 2007 }}</ref> Opened in 1953 when structural work was finished, it was not until 1958 that the dam was officially named after Henry Somerset and the next year before all work related to the dam, including the [[Hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] [[power station]] was complete.<ref name="heritage"/><ref name="seqdc"/>

==Recreation==
[[File:SomersetCampingQLD.JPG|thumb|left|Camping at Lake Somerset.]]
There are two public access areas on Somerset Dam, Kirkleigh and The Spit. Both locations have multi-lane, concrete [[boat ramp]]s with facilities for day-trippers.<ref name="qlddams"/> Camping is permitted and caravans are catered for at Kirkleigh and below the dam wall at Somerset Park in the small town of Somerset Dam. During busy periods the two camping locations can be filled to capacity with room for a maximum of 2,200&nbsp;campers at Kirkleigh and 800 at Somerset Park.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.qt.com.au/story/2009/04/08/campers-stream-into-full-dam-sites/|title=Campers stream into full dam sites|author=Maeseele, Melanie|access-date=29 April 2008|date=8 April 2009|work=Ipswich Queensland Times|archive-date=1 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001175639/http://www.qt.com.au/story/2009/04/08/campers-stream-into-full-dam-sites/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lake Somerset Holiday Park's Kirkleigh campground also features cabin accommodation at the waterfront and direct access to the dam from a grassy spit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bnbfishing.com.au/freshwater/lake-somerset-holiday-park-review/|title = Lake Somerset Holiday Park review|date = 3 June 2015}}</ref> The dam contains {{convert|30|km}} of navigable waterway.<ref name="qlddams"/>

===Fishing===
The lake is a popular fishing destination, one of the top five fishing spots in the state.<ref name="qlddams"/> Fish species found in the dam include Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch, bony bream, eel-tailed catfish, spangled perch, Mary River cod, snub nosed gar, Queensland lungfish and saratoga.<ref name="qlddams">{{cite book |title=Queensland Dams |author1=Harrison, Rod|author2=James, Ernie|author3=Sully, Chris|author4=Classon, Bill|author5=Eckermann, Joy|year=2008|publisher=Australian Fishing Network|location=[[Bayswater, Victoria]]|isbn=978-1-86513-134-4|pages=138–139 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Saratoga.htm|title=Lake Somerset|work=Sweetwater Fishing Australia|access-date=7 July 2014|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221035845/http://sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Saratoga.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> A stocked impoundment permit is required to [[fishing|fish]] in the dam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/permits-dams/stocked-impoundment-permit|title=Do I need a permit to go fishing in a dam?|work=Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry|publisher=[[Queensland Government]]|date=5 February 2013|access-date=4 July 2014|archive-date=4 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704083953/http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/permits-dams/stocked-impoundment-permit|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:SomersetFromAbove.JPG|thumb|center|600px|A view of Lake Somerset]]

== Engineering heritage award ==
The dam is listed as an Engineering Heritage National Landmark by [[Engineers Australia]] as part of its [[Engineers Australia#Engineering Heritage Recognition Program|Engineering Heritage Recognition Program]].<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://portal.engineersaustralia.org.au/heritage/somerset-dam-stanley-river-1955
| title = Somerset Dam, Stanley River, 1955-
| publisher = Engineers Australia
| access-date = 2020-05-07
| archive-date = 18 April 2021
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210418081800/https://portal.engineersaustralia.org.au/heritage/somerset-dam-stanley-river-1955
| url-status = live
}}</ref>

==See also==
{{stack|{{Portal|Queensland|Water|Renewable energy}}}}
*[[List of dams and reservoirs in Australia#Queensland|List of dams in Queensland]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==

* {{Cite web|date=January 2010|title=Nomination Document for the Somerset Dam|url=https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2017-01/Somerset_Dam_Nomination.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703064643/https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2017-01/Somerset_Dam_Nomination.pdf|archive-date=3 July 2020|access-date=3 July 2020|website=[[Engineers Australia]]}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Lake Somerset}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121014150943/http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/dam-levels Current dam level]
* [http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/Somerset.htm Lake Somerset Fishing Information, Map, pictures & Water Level Gauge]
*{{cite web|url=http://www.pictureaustralia.org/apps/pictureaustralia?action=PASearch&mode=subject&complete1=true&attribute1=subject&term1=Somerset+Dam|title=Somerset Dam|work=Picture Australia|publisher=[[National Library of Australia]]}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100923174128/http://somersettourism.com.au/attractions1.php Somerset Tourism Natural Attractions]
* [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/1dejkfd/alma99198623402061 Photograph Albums of Construction of Somerset Dam 1937], [[State Library of Queensland]]

{{WaterQueensland |state=autocollapse}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Somerset}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Somerset Region]]
[[Category:Reservoirs in Queensland|Somerset, Lake]]
[[Category:Gravity dams]]
[[Category:Dams in Queensland|Somerset Dam]]
[[Category:Dams completed in 1959]]
[[Category:1959 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Energy infrastructure completed in 1959]]
[[Category:Recipients of Engineers Australia engineering heritage markers]]