Hinze Dam

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Use Australian English|date=April 2013}} {{Infobox dam | name = Hinze Dam | name_official = | image = Hinze Dam - Spillway Tower (December 2011).png | image_size = 250px | image_caption = Spillway tower of the dam,<br/> following Stage 3 upgrade, 2011 | image_alt = | location_map = Queensland | location_map_size = 250px | location_map_caption = Location of the dam in Queensland | location_map_alt = | mapframe = yes | coordinates = {{coord|28.049466|S|153.28449|E|type:landmark_region:AU-QLD|format=dms|display=it}} | country = Australia | location = South East Queensland | purpose = {{unbulleted list|Potable water supply|Flood mitigation}} | status = O | construction_began = | opening = {{unbulleted list|{{start date|1976}} {{small|(Stage 1)}}|{{start date|1989}} {{small|(Stage 2)}}|{{start date|2011}} {{small|(Stage 3)}}}} | demolished = | cost = | builder = | designed_by = | owner = | operator = SEQ Water | dam_type = E | dam_crosses = Nerang River | dam_height_foundation = {{cvt|78.4|m}} | dam_height_thalweg = | dam_length = {{cvt|750|m}} | dam_elevation_crest = {{cvt|94.5|m}} {{AHD}} | dam_width_crest = {{cvt|8|m}} | dam_width_base = | dam_volume = {{cvt|4261|e3m3}} | spillway_count = 1 | spillway_type = Uncontrolled | spillway_length = {{cvt|73.6|m}} | spillway_capacity = {{cvt|550|m3/s}} | spillway_volumetric_flow_rate = | spillway_type2 = | spillway_length2 = | spillway_capacity2 = | spillway_volumetric_flow_rate2 = | spillway_type3 = | spillway_length3 = | spillway_capacity3 = | spillway_volumetric_flow_rate3 = | res_name = Advancetown Lake | res_capacity_total = {{cvt|310730|ML|acre.ft}}<ref name="seqwater">{{cite web |url=http://www.seqwater.com.au/water-supply/dam-operations/hinze-dam |title=Hinze Dam: Water supply: Dams and weirs |work=SEQ Water |date=2014 |access-date=1 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414024021/http://seqwater.com.au/water-supply/dam-operations/hinze-dam |archive-date=14 April 2014}}</ref><ref name="seq1"/> | res_capacity_active = | res_capacity_inactive = | res_catchment = {{cvt|207|km2}} | res_surface = {{cvt|1505|ha}} | res_max_length = | res_max_width = | res_max_depth = | res_elevation = {{cvt|72|m}} {{AHD}} | res_tidal_range = | lower_dam_type = | lower_dam_crosses = | lower_dam_height_foundation = | lower_dam_height_thalweg = | lower_dam_length = | lower_dam_elevation_crest = | lower_dam_width_crest = | lower_dam_width_base = | lower_dam_volume = | lower_spillway_count = | lower_spillway_type = | lower_spillway_length = | lower_spillway_capacity = | lower_spillway_volumetric_flow_rate = | lower_spillway_type2 = | lower_spillway_length2 = | lower_spillway_capacity2 = | lower_spillway_volumetric_flow_rate2 = | lower_spillway_type3 = | lower_spillway_length3 = | lower_spillway_capacity3 = | lower_spillway_volumetric_flow_rate3 = | lower_res_name = | lower_res_capacity_total = | lower_res_capacity_active = | lower_res_capacity_inactive = | lower_res_catchment = | lower_res_surface = | lower_res_max_length = | lower_res_max_width = | lower_res_max_depth = | lower_res_elevation = | lower_res_tidal_range = | plant_name = | plant_coordinates =  | plant_operator = | plant_commission = | plant_decommission = | plant_type = | plant_hydraulic_head = | plant_turbines = | plant_pumpgenerators = | plant_pumps = | plant_capacity = | plant_capacity_factor = | plant_efficiency = | plant_storage_hours = | plant_annual_gen = | plant_annual_gen_year = | website = {{URL|http://www.seqwater.com.au/water-supply/dam-operations/hinze-dam|seqwater.com.au}} | extra = }} The '''Hinze Dam''' is a rock and earth-fill embankment dam across the Nerang River, located in the Gold Coast hinterland of South East, Queensland, Australia. The main purpose of the dam is for potable water supply of the Gold Coast region.<ref name=ancold>{{cite web |url=http://www.ancold.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Dams-Australia-2010-v1-for-website.xls |format=Excel (requires download; Row 234) |title=Register of Large Dams in Australia |publisher=Australian National Committee on Large Dams |year=2010 |access-date=23 June 2014 |work=Dams information |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 |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="qlddams"/> The impounded reservoir is called '''Advancetown Lake'''.<ref>{{Cite QPN|139|Advancetown Lake|reservoir in the City of Gold Coast|access-date=11 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite QSA Item|3411743|Queensland Place Names Act 1988 – Approval of Place Name. Mr W.H. Glasson|11 September 2020}} – includes a map</ref>

Initially called the Advancetown Dam, in {{circa|1979}} the dam was renamed in honour of local pioneers Carl and Johanna Hinze{{spaced endash}}grandparents of Queensland politician Russ Hinze. Carl and Johanna Hinze lived in the valley that was flooded by the dam.<ref name=ABCRadio>{{cite AV media |author=Gundi, Nicole |format=streaming audio |date=5 June 2012 |title=What's in a Name: Hinze Dam |url=http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/06/whats-in-a-name-hinze-dam.html |access-date=2 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202739/http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/06/whats-in-a-name-hinze-dam.html|archive-date=2014-07-14 |location=Brisbane, Queensland |work=ABC Radio }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/lifestyle/hinze-dam-at-advancetown-reaches-middle-age/news-story/8a9ff053278890f092cca58023db1bd6 |title=Hinze dam at Advancetown reaches middle age |last=Thomson |first=Alister |date=25 July 2016 |work=Gold Coast Bulletin |access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref> The dam is almost always full, and has reached 96% of capacity even during dry spells.<ref name="iocc">{{cite journal |last1=Tehrani |first1=Mahsa Jahandideh |last2=Helfer |first2=Fernanda |last3=Jenkins |first3=Graham |date=10 July 2021 |title=Impacts of climate change and sea level rise on catchment management: A multi-model ensemble analysis of the Nerang River catchment, Australia |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721012912 |journal=Science of the Total Environment |volume=777 |article-number=146223 |doi=10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146223 |bibcode=2021ScTEn.777n6223J |s2cid=233795843 |access-date=19 November 2022 |hdl=10072/403479 |hdl-access=free }}</ref>

==Location and features== When established in 1976, the dam flooded the original settlement of {{QLDcity|Advancetown}},<ref name="qpn2">{{cite QPN|19035|Latimer|access-date=22 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=ABCRadio/> {{convert|15|km|mi}} south-west of {{QLDcity|Nerang}} immediately downstream of the confluence of the Nerang River and Little Nerang Creek.<ref name="qlddams"/>

The earthfill dam structure is {{convert|108|m}} high and {{convert|1850|m}} long. The {{convert|4261|e3m3|adj=on}} dam wall holds back the {{convert|310730|ML|acre.ft|lk=on|adj=on}} reservoir when at full capacity. From a catchment area of {{convert|207|km2}} that includes the Numinbah Valley and {{QLDcity|Springbrook}} Plateau, with most being contained within state forests and national parks, the dam creates Advancetown Lake, with a surface area of {{convert|1500|ha}}. The uncontrolled un-gated spillway is located at {{convert|82|m}} {{AHD}}, and has a discharge capacity of {{convert|550|m3/s}}.<ref name=ancold/><ref name="seqwater"/><ref name=segwater2>{{cite web |url=http://www.hinzedamstage3.com/PDF/factSheets/HDS3-General_Fact_sheet_Feb2011.pdf |type=PDF |title=Hinze Dam Stage 3 Information: Fact sheet |date=2011 |work=SEQ Water |access-date=3 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133221/http://www.hinzedamstage3.com/PDF/factSheets/HDS3-General_Fact_sheet_Feb2011.pdf |archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1619720/hinze-eap.pdf |title=Emergency Action Plan: Hinze Dam |work=SEQ Water |publisher=Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers. Queensland Government |date=2025 |access-date=2026-03-19 |pages=12-13 }}</ref> Initially managed by the Gold Coast City Council, the dam has been managed by SEQ Water since 2008.<ref name="seq1"/>

Since 2011, the dam has also provided the benefit of flood mitigation to populated areas along the Nerang River downstream of the dam.<ref name=segwater2/>

===Construction=== The Southport Town Council planned the dam in 1947.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49340244 |title=SOUTHPORT'S BIG WATER SCHEME. |newspaper=The Courier-Mail |location=Brisbane |date=28 January 1947 |access-date=19 April 2014 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref> It was completed in 1976 and expanded in 1989 and 2011.

Stage One was completed in 1976, and provided {{convert|42400|ML|acre.ft}} of potable water storage and supply.

Stage Two was completed in 1989, when storage of potable water was increased to {{convert|161070|ML|acre.ft}}, at a cost of {{currency|42 million|AUD|pass-through}}. The works involved raising the main embankment, spillway and intake towers by approximately {{convert|18|metres}} to create a surface area of {{convert|9.72|km2}}.<ref name=ancold/>

In 2004 the Gold Coast City Council resolved to construct Stage 3 of the dam and it commenced on 7 January 2008, when the dam reached full capacity<ref name="hggr">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/07/2132739.htm |title=Heavy Gold Coast rains fill Hinze Dam |access-date=11 July 2011 |date=7 January 2008 |work=ABC News |location=Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209034619/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/07/2132739.htm |archive-date=9 February 2008 }}</ref> and was completed on 19 December 2011 at a cost of {{currency|395 million|AUD|pass-through=yes}}.<ref name=segwater2/><ref name="seq1">{{Cite news |url=http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/source-store-treat-supply/dams/hinze-dam |title=Hinze Dam reopens to the public |access-date=25 December 2011 |date=19 December 2011 |work=Hinze Dam / Advancetown Lake |publisher=SEQ Water |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107020117/http://seqwater.com.au/public/source-store-treat-supply/dams/hinze-dam |archive-date=7 January 2012 }}</ref> The Stage 3 works increased the height of the dam wall from {{convert|93.5|m}} to {{convert|108|m}}, and increased the reservoir capacity from {{convert|161070|ML|acre.ft}} to {{convert|310730|ML|acre.ft}}, with the added purpose of flood mitigation.<ref name=segwater2/><ref name="seq1"/><ref name="uhdwf">{{Cite news |url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/03/11/298455_gold-coast-news.html |title=Upgrade of Hinze Dam wall finished |author=Lappeman, Suzanne |access-date=11 July 2011 |date=11 March 2011 |work=Gold Coast Bulletin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416053335/http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/03/11/298455_gold-coast-news.html |archive-date=16 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Stage 3 construction was completed by the Hinze Dam Alliance, a joint venture between SEQ Water, with private sector partners URS Corporation, Sinclair Knight Merz and Thiess. The additional works with a higher dam wall provided {{formatnum:4500}} homes below the dam wall with flood protection from a 1974 Brisbane{{endash}}style flood event.<ref name="uhdwf"/>

== Recreation == The eastern boat ramp is located in Mudgeeraba and features a craft and paddle launching platform as well as toilets and bin facilities. The western boat ramp, located in Springbrook, contains the same amenities with a smaller car park. In 2012 a body was discovered by fishermen.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/body-of-man-found-at-hinze-dam-believed-to-be-58-year-old-man-missing-for-a-week/news-story/a56c0f722356ef71adee64fc9ebbb8e8?sv=85edd94630942b4422ab5463adc3f251 |title=Body of man found at Hinze Dam believed to be 58-year-old man missing for a week | Perth Now |date=19 October 2012 |access-date=26 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327080120/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/national/body-of-man-found-at-hinze-dam-believed-to-be-58-year-old-man-missing-for-a-week/news-story/a56c0f722356ef71adee64fc9ebbb8e8?sv=85edd94630942b4422ab5463adc3f251 |archive-date=27 March 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Advancetown Lake is a popular recreational facility for Gold Coast residents. Since the Stage 3 upgrade, recreational activities allowed include walking, electric or manual-powered boating, fishing, biking and horse riding. The facilities are open from 6 am to 6 pm daily.<ref name="seq1"/> No camping is permitted around the lake.<ref name="qlddams"/> Dogs are also not permitted, while swimming has been strongly discouraged.<ref name="gcb1">{{Cite news |url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/12/19/375205_gold-coast-news.html |title=Hinze Dam re-opens after $395m facelift |author=Tuttiett, Henry |access-date=25 December 2011 |date=19 December 2011 |work=Gold Coast Bulletin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110111126/http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2011/12/19/375205_gold-coast-news.html |archive-date=10 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> An interpretive centre was opened on 19 December 2011, along with new parking, walking trails, toilet facilities and barbecue areas.<ref name="seq1"/>

The final design of the dam was criticised in the media and by residents and politicians, some describing it as a "concrete bunker". The criticism arose because of a reduction in playground, boating and barbecue facilities; the banning of dogs; the extensive use of concrete; and because many of the facilities are either far from the water's edge or below the dam wall with no water views.<ref name="gcb1"/>

The Advancetown Lake has two boat ramps, one on the western and another on the eastern side.

===Fishing=== The dam is stocked with Mary River cod, silver perch, golden perch, southern saratoga and bass, while spangled perch are also present naturally.<ref name="qlddams">{{cite book|title=Queensland Dams|last=Harrison|first=Rod |author2=James, Ernie|author3=Sully, Chris|author4=Classon, Bill|author5=Eckermann, Joy|year=2008 |publisher=Australian Fishing Network|location={{VICcity|Bayswater}}, Victoria|isbn=978-1-86513-134-4|pages=58–59 }}</ref> Banded grunter have been found in the lake and being illegally introduced, it is recommended that, if caught, they should be destroyed.<ref name="qlddams"/> A Gold Coast City Council permit is required to fish in the dam.<ref name="fishing">{{Cite web |url=http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?pid=1974 |title=Gold Coast City Council – Fishing |access-date=12 August 2011 |date=23 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807033205/http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_standard.aspx?pid=1974 |archive-date=7 August 2011 }}</ref> A Queensland State Government Stocked Impoundment Permit is not required.<ref name="fishing2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_13268.htm |title=Queensland Government Primary Industries and Fisheries – Do I need a permit to go fishing in a dam? |access-date=12 August 2011 |date=1 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912231103/http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_13268.htm |archive-date=12 September 2011 }}</ref>

From December 2018, Queensland Health advise not to consume fish from Hinze Dam due to elevated levels of mercury in recent fish samples.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/rsa/sips-dams-and-weirs/profile?dam=hinze-dam|title=Hinze Dam|date=11 December 2018|website=Fish Stocked Dams and Weirs|publisher=Queensland Government|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019033004/https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/rsa/sips-dams-and-weirs/profile?dam=hinze-dam|archive-date=19 October 2019|access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref>

===2018 Commonwealth Games=== The Gold Coast hosted the 2018 Commonwealth Games. The area surrounding the Hinze Dam was originally proposed as the location for the mountain bike competition. A new course was constructed to meet international competition requirements. Some government representatives as well as some mountain bikers have sought to have the competition moved away to the unsecured trails at Nerang State Forest.{{citation needed|date=January 2016}} The Gold Coast Mountain Bike Club maintain the course and sometimes host a race on the circuit the first Sunday of each month.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gcmtb.com.au/TrailInfoHinzeDam.asp |title=Hinze Dam |publisher=Gold Coast Mountain Bike Inc. |date=2013 |access-date=2 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705141916/http://www.gcmtb.com.au/TrailInfoHinzeDam.asp |archive-date=5 July 2014 }}</ref>

== Gallery == <gallery> Hinze Dam wall and park in Advancetown, Queensland.jpg|The dam wall in 2016 Hinze Dam - Open Space (December 2011).png|Open space, following completion of Stage 2 upgrade Hinze Dam (Queensland) - Spillway.png|The spillway, following Stage 3 upgrade Hinze Dam Spillway overflows.jpg|The spillway overflows for the first time since the Stage 3 upgrade was completed, after heavy rain from Cyclone Oswald in 2013 </gallery>

==See also== {{stack|{{Portal|Queensland|Water}}}} * Sports on the Gold Coast, Queensland * List of dams in Queensland

==References== {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.hinzedamstage3.com/|title=Hinze Dam Stage 3|publisher=SEQ Water|date=November 2011|access-date=21 April 2008|archive-date=10 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410184504/http://www.hinzedamstage3.com/|url-status=dead}} *{{cite web|url=http://www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au/hinzedam.htm|title=Lake Advancetown ( Hinze Dam ) Gold Coast. Qld|work=Fishing Information & Map|publisher=Sweetwater Fishing|date=2000 }} *{{cite web|url=http://www.pictureaustralia.org/apps/pictureaustralia?action=PASearch&mode=subject&complete1=true&attribute1=subject&term1=Hinze+Dam|title=Hinze Dam pictures|work=Picture Australia|publisher=National Library of Australia }}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} *{{cite press release|url=http://www.seqwater.com.au/public/clay-core-cracked-as-hinze-dam-upgrade-reaches-major-milestone|title=Clay Core cracked as Hinze Dam upgrade reaches major milestone|publisher=SEQ Water |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320232910/http://seqwater.com.au/public/clay-core-cracked-as-hinze-dam-upgrade-reaches-major-milestone |archive-date=2012-03-20}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hinze Dam}} Category:1976 establishments in Australia Category:2018 Commonwealth Games venues Category:Buildings and structures on the Gold Coast, Queensland Category:Dams completed in 1976 Category:Dams in Queensland Category:Earth-filled dams Category:Mountain biking venues Category:Rock-filled dams Advancetown Lake Category:Sports venues on the Gold Coast, Queensland