THE LNP has pledged to conduct a feasibility study into the remediation of the Leslie Harrison Dam to create competitive rowing, recreation and fishing opportunities.
Capalaba LNP candidate Bev Walters said the dam had been closed to the public for 40 years and the feasibility study was aimed at unlocking its potential for use by the community.
"This study represents an exciting opportunity for Capalaba and will look at remediating Leslie Harrison Dam to bring it up to the standard of an international rowing and paddlesports venue, and allow use of the dam for non-motorised recreational activity and fishing," she said.
Ms Walters confirmed that up to $400 000 had been set aside to fund the feasibility study.
Due to the dam being a main drinking water catchment, no recreational activities are allowed.
Ms Walters said locals should be able to enjoy the dam and fishing and canoeing would be a great way to explore it.
"To have an asset like the Leslie Harrison Dam on our doorstep and yet have it closed off to use has been an incredibly frustrating for the people of Capalaba.
"Opening it up will put it on the map for people to come and visit, which will open new tourism opportunities for the region," she said.
Ms Walters denied Labor's claims allowing recreation in Tingalpa Reservoir - where Leslie Harrison Dam is located - would present an unacceptable level of risk to water quality.
Executive officer for Paddle Queensland Scott Sharples welcomed the announcement, saying access to Leslie Harrison Dam will provide paddlers across the greater Brisbane area with a central venue spanning over ten kilometres.
"The opening of the dam to passive water-based recreation is welcomed by Paddle Queensland and a positive initiative from Ms Walters which will strengthen paddling in Queensland while supporting our mission of - More people paddling, More of the time," he said.
A Seqwater spokesperson told the Bulletin last year that decisions to allow recreation on each dam was based on assessment of water quality risks.
"Seqwater will not introduce recreation at Leslie Harrison Dam due to unacceptable risks to drinking water quality."
