Lower Mary River Weirs & Barrages
History
Lower Mary River Weirs
Initially approved to help farm production through a reliable water supply in 1978, the project and its associated barrages were completed in 1988.
Tinana Barrage, built in 1980, is downstream of Teddington Weir on Tinana Creek, and Mary River Barrage, built in 1982, is downstream of Tiaro along the Mary River. The barrages were built in the tidal prism in the river which means they were within the natural tidal limits and effectively took fresh water, and irrigation, closer to Maryborough.
The scheme supports 192 customers on the Fraser Coast growing cane sugar, fruit, nuts, vegetables and livestock.

Did you know?
Aggressive, territorial and with a nasty bite, the endangered Mary River Cod, that can grow up to 20 kg, is local to the waterways.
Mary River Barrage
12,000 ML
Facilities
Additional information
Management
Mary River Barrage is owned and managed by Sunwater.
Public access
This storage is only accessible to Sunwater through private property. There is no public access to the barrage or barrage area. Sunwater restricts access to the barrage infrastructure in order to keep you safe as conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable and water can be released at any time.
Camping
Sunwater does not permit camping near the barrage.
Boating and fishing
Sunwater does not permit boating or fishing near the barrage Operators who choose to boat or fish in the surrounding waterway (not owned by Sunwater) are reminded to read the signs, look for hazards, boat to conditions and stay away from the weir wall by at least 200 metres or as signed.
Onshore fishing
Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the barrage. Fishing on or near barrage walls is unsafe and not permitted by law.
Swimming and water recreation
Sunwater does not permit swimming and water-based recreation near the barrage.
Known additional hazards
Visitors accessing downstream of the barrage for recreation are warned that water releases can occur at any time.
Tinana Barrage
4,750 ML
Facilities
Additional information
Management
Tinana Barrage is owned and managed by Sunwater.
Public access
This storage is only accessible to Sunwater through private property. There is no public access to the barrage or barrage area. Sunwater restricts access to the barrage infrastructure in order to keep you safe as conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable and water can be released at any time.
Camping
Sunwater does not permit camping near the barrage.
Boating and fishing
Sunwater does not permit boating or fishing near the barrage Operators who choose to boat or fish in the surrounding waterway (not owned by Sunwater) are reminded to read the signs, look for hazards, boat to conditions and stay away from the weir wall by at least 200 metres or as signed.
Onshore fishing
Sunwater does not permit onshore fishing on or near the barrage. Fishing on or near barrage walls is unsafe and not permitted by law.
Swimming and water recreation
Sunwater does not permit swimming and water-based recreation near the barrage.
Known additional hazards
Visitors accessing downstream of the barrage for recreation are warned that water releases can occur at any time.
Disclaimer: Sunwater makes no statement, representation, or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of, and users should not rely on, any information provided by Sunwater above, or generally in relation to conditions at a Sunwater storage (Information). Sunwater disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs a user might incur as a result of use of such Information, and any Information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason. Users accept sole responsibility and the risk associated with any use of Information, irrespective of the purpose to which such use or results are applied.