Julius Dam marks 50 years securing outback water for mining and towns
Built fifty years ago near Mount Isa, Julius Dam supplies water to mining operations and towns.
Julius Dam near Mount Isa opened in 1976 to solve a water crisis during severe drought. The dam uses a unique concrete arch and buttress design.
It was the only one of its kind in Queensland. The design needed less material than traditional dams.
The design was also easier to build in remote terrain. Unlike dams with separate spillways, the concrete arches let excess water flow directly over the structure without damage.
The dam holds 107,500 megalitres of water. That is about one-fifth of Sydney Harbour's volume.
Originally built to supplement Lake Moondarra, it now supplies water through pipelines to mining operations and surrounding towns. Despite long dry periods, the dam spilled every year for the past decade.
Seasonal monsoon and cyclone rains keep refilling the Leichhardt River catchment.
- 1976
- Dam opened
- 70 kilometres north-east
- Location from Mount Isa
- 107,500 megalitres
- Dam capacity
- 220 metres
- Spillway width
Why it mattersReliable water systems are key to growth. Remote mining and communities need them to grow and thrive in the dry interior.
AustraliaMount Isa, Cloncurry and regional mining operations depend on this dam for secure water supply that enables ongoing economic activity.
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