On 21 January 2026, Seqwater issued a public safety alert for residents and visitors in Fernvale, Queensland, ahead of the Australia Day long weekend. With large crowds expected at local lakes and rivers from 24–26 January 2026, officials are concerned about changing water levels and fast currents near popular swimming and picnic spots.
Recent rain and high water levels at Wivenhoe Dam, combined with controlled (gated) releases and spilling, mean that river heights and currents can change quickly without much notice. This is particularly important for people visiting spots like Savages Crossing and Twin Bridges, where water can flow over low-level bridges and create dangerous conditions for swimmers, paddlers and drivers.
To stay informed about sudden water rises, locals are encouraged to sign up for the Seqwater Dam Release Notification Service or download the Seqwater Public Safety App for dam release alerts and notifications by email, SMS, recorded phone message or app alerts. Somerset Regional Council also monitors local road conditions and manages closures or physical barriers to river crossings if they become unsafe to cross.
Safety officials remind everyone to never attempt to drive through floodwaters, as even shallow water over bridges can be strong enough to sweep a vehicle away. Visitors should also be careful near riverbanks, as recent water releases can saturate soil and make banks unstable and prone to collapsing even after the water recedes.
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