THE state government will overturn 40 years of tradition when it opens up Capalaba's Leslie Harrison Dam for recreational water sports and fishing later this year.
Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle made the announcement on a whistle-stop visit to Redland and the dam on Tuesday.
Mr McArdle said he could not fix an opening date until after completion of a state government review on the future of water sports on all state dams.
"I think the idea of using the dam for recreational purposes and non-motorised water sports is an excellent idea that will add another bow to tourism in this area," he said.
"I'd also like to see the dam stocked with fish for recreational anglers and with the council and the community, this will be a success."
Members of Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club and Queensland Canoeing hoped the dam would one day become an international kayaking venue.
Wynnum Redlands Canoe Club's David Bicknell said a one-off kayaking event on the dam on December 30 proved opening up the dam would be a fillip for tourism.
Access to the dam would be on Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Road, about 500m south of Brightview Street.
Mr McArdle refused to comment on claims toxic emissions from a proposed power plant at Mount Cotton would fall into the dam's catchment area as the development's planning application was in the Planning and Environment Court.
