Fred Haigh Dam

Fred Haigh Dam is an essential watering point in Queensland's Bundaberg region, providing a reliable water supply for the sugarcane industry.

It was built in 1978 across the Kolan River to address the issue of unreliable rainfall and dwindling underground water reserves.

The dam's catchment area covers 1308 km2 north of Bundaberg, Queensland. At full capacity, it can hold 562,045 megalitres of water. The lowest recorded level was 3.29% during the Millennium Drought in February 2003, while the highest level recorded was 181.5% in January 2013 due to heavy rainfall from ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald.

Construction of the dam began on November 13, 1971, and it was completed in 1974. The first release of water occurred in February 1975. Originally intended to be called Monduran Dam, its name was changed in 1979 to honor Fred Haigh, Queensland's Commissioner of Irrigation and Water Supply.

SunWater, the management entity of the dam, is currently upgrading the spillway to ensure the highest level of safety. The spillway capacity upgrade program will be completed before 2010.

Lake Monduran, created by the dam, is open for boating with no restrictions. There is a single boat ramp for access to the lake.

Anglers will find several fish species in the dam, including barramundi, silver perch, sooty grunter, spangled perch, forktail catfish, and red-claw crayfish. A Stocked Impoundment Permit is required for fishing in the dam.