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A verdant ONCE scene was left desiccated and blackened by a drought that devastated the Southern Downs for more than one reason.
Incredible photos of the Leslie Dam taken in the last two years have captured the rapid transformation of one of Warwick's most beloved attractions.
Photographer Jodie Locke captured the "devastating" change, as water levels dwindled to the lowest point she had ever seen.
"To think seven years ago that the wall was flooded, but going out now it breaks your heart," Locke said.
She said that the vegetation around the dam was also suffering because even the green on the gums began to decline.
"Obviously, the root system does not get water, they seem to die," she said.
"The intake of moisture to the soil is so dry, according to my observation."
![Sandy Creek under the Leslie Dam Wall looking lush in February 2016. "title =" Sandy Creek under the Leslie Dam Wall looking lush in February 2016. "data-largeimg =" https: // media .apnarm.net.au/media/images/2018/07/04/b881460471z1_20180704191340_000g1415fjlf2-0-jjke21ol9cdwtkkvjq2_t677.jpg "/>
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<p> <span> Sandy Creek under the Leslie Dam wall in search of lush vegetation in February 2016. [19659010] Jodie Locke </small> </p>
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Levels of water at Leslie Dam have declined since the 2011 floods when the dam was at 103percent capacity.
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The dam is used for irrigation and urban water supply for Allora, Warwick and Yangan and is currently at a capacity of 10.3%.
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This is not the lowest water level ever seen at the dam, with a level of 3% recorded in February 1995.
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Warwick Fish Stocking Association Secretary-Treasurer, Ed Kemp, remembers seeing Lelie Dam at its lowest point, while poor filtration meant that the water flowing through the city left brown spots on the laundry. But Mr Kemp said that at that time the irrigation of the dam was not stopped, while now, it is stopped when the dam has a capacity of 15%.
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With these safeguards in place, Mr. Kemp thinks Warwick will no longer be facing such low levels.
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"Everyone must be patient that the dam does not look real, but the dam will come back, things will get younger, it's just a matter of time", a- he said.
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But Mr. Kemp conceded that if the area was not flooded with rain, there could be "problems" on the horizon.
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"The thing about the water level, is that the council has done the right thing by imposing restrictions but the restrictions will become even more severe," he said.
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Jodie Locke
Despite the low levels, Kemp said the dam remained healthy with many fish to catch.
"I saw the dam go a lot lower and it does not affect the fish and everything came back better than ever," he said.
"From a tourist point of view, it looks sad but it's like everything else – it's going to recover."
The current water supply of the dam is expected to last until April 2020 when there is no rain at all.
Mayor Tracy Dobie said the rural homeowners were concerned about the lack of rain, but it was important not to panic.
A water efficiency plan and a drought management plan are being developed to define water supply options and badess problems related to the water supply. drought.
"In Australia, we need to take a more personal and proactive approach to our water supplies," Cr Dobie said.
"While rural dams are drying up, Leslie Dam is a very large dam and (it is) the idea of having a water saving plan in place. place and we are already asking residents to be cautious in their use. "
Donna Cecil
Every drop is valuable in dry periods
FREE Water-saving devices are available for Southern Downs residents looking to do their part for water conservation efforts.
Mayor, Tracy Dobie, said that residents could get shower timers or exchange their watering and showering heads for water saving solutions by l & # 39; intermediary of the municipal council.
Mid-level water restrictions were also applied in May, which limits outdoor water use to specific days and times depending on the address of the residence.
A target consumption of up to 200 liters per person was also fixed each day.
The discount on the water tank has also been extended.
The program provides that residents who install a water tank receive a full refund of water charges levied on the property for the fiscal year full.
For more information, visit sdrc.qld.gov.au or call 1300 697 372.
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