MIWB Media Release Potential Closure of R48 Water and Recreational Re

Published on 18 February 2026

Media Release

Potential Closure of R48 Water and Recreational Reserve at Lake Moondarra due to rain, flooding, high water levels and associated safety risks

Immediate Release – 18 February 2026

We advise the Mount Isa community that:

• Wet weather and heavy rainfall is currently forecast for the upcoming week from this Wednesday 18 February 2026 to next Wednesday 25 February 2026;
• Lake Moondarra already has elevated lake levels from significant recent rainfall so any further rain may necessitate temporary closure of the R48 Water and Recreational Reserve including the area surrounding Lake Moondarra at short-notice to manage safety risks due to flooding and raised lake water levels potentially leading to dam spillway spillover overflows; and
• Please monitor weather forecasts, avoid planning, and consider postponing activities at the R48 Reserve between 18 and 25 February 2026 due to the potential for short-notice closure of parts or all of the R48 Reserve arising from safety hazards resulting from rainfall, flooding and possibly high lake levels spilling over the dam spillway.

This advisory is intended as a precautionary measure to manage safety risks and community expectations in relation to the R48 Reserve and Lake Moondarra during February 2026 due to expected rainfall.

We will continue to monitor conditions and provide further updates as required.

ENDS

For enquiries, please contact Bill Esteves (Chief Executive Officer) at BEsteves@mountisawater.qld.gov.au