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Sunwater will conduct audible (‘live’) testing of its dam emergency sirens during October 2024. Sirens are located in the communities of North Eton, Pinnacle, Coringa, Inglewood, Biloela and Emerald.
Each siren test will last up to three minutes. The siren will sound and a voice will announce THIS IS ONLY A TEST.
Dates, times and locations of the tests are as follows:
Coolmunda Dam | Tuesday 8 October 2024
The siren at Rabbits Hill, adjacent to Potters Road, Inglewood will be tested between 10:00am and 11:00am.
Paradise Dam | Wednesday 9 October 2024
The sirens at Paradise Dam and approximately 7.5 km downstream at Coringa will be tested between 10:00am and 12:00 noon.
Callide Dam | Tuesday 15 October 2024
The sirens at Linkes Road and next to the water tower on Earlsfield Street in Biloela will be tested between 10:00am and 12:00 noon.
Fairbairn Dam | Wednesday 16 October 2024
The sirens at Rundle Park, Opal Street and the East Nogoa Water Treatment Plant, Rivergum Drive in Emerald will be tested between 10:00am and 12:00 noon.
Kinchant Dam | Thursday 17 October 2024
The siren at the North Eton Community Park, Kinchant Road, North Eton will be tested between 9:00am and 12:00 noon.
Teemburra Dam | Thursday 17 October 2024
The siren on Lucas Paddock Road, Pinnacle will be tested between 9:00am and 12:00 noon.
Why do we have sirens?
Sunwater’s dam emergency sirens supplement existing warning systems. They are part of our efforts to continually improve our emergency management processes.
The sirens are only activated in the unlikely event of a dam failure as part of an Emergency Action Plan. They ensure downstream communities receive urgent warning alerts.
The sirens are not activated during water releases or standard flood operations.
Why are you testing the sirens?
Sunwater runs regular silent testing and monitoring of the emergency siren system.
However, audible or ‘live’ testing is the most effective way to ensure the sirens are working and can be operated properly in an emergency.
Audible testing also reminds people what the sirens sound like and why it is important to be prepared for an emergency.
What do I need to do?
Community members do not need to do anything during the tests. Sunwater’s team will be onsite to confirm the effectiveness of the tests. Sunwater recommends residents secure their pets and check in with neighbours to ensure they know the tests are being conducted.
Will I hear the sirens?
Many variables influence where sound travels. These include wind direction, landscape topography and other noise interference, such as machinery. Depending on where you are during the test, you may not hear the sirens. It is important to remember sirens are just one of many ways you would be alerted in the unlikely event of a dam failure.