Lake Moondarra

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lake Moondarra
image_lake = Lake Moondarra.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry=
location = 19 km North East of Mount Isa, Queensland
coords = coord|20.5826|S|139.570|E|type:waterbody_region:AU|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow = Leichhardt River
outflow =
catchment = 1140 km²
basin_countries = Australia
length =
width =
area = 23.75 km²
depth =
max-depth = 11 m
volume = 107,000 ML
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =
frozen =

Lake Moondarra is an artificial lake on the Leichhardt River 16 km downstream from the town of Mount Isa. It provides water supply to the town and the adjacent Mount Isa Mines mining lease. Construction began on the Leichardt Dam in 1956 and was completed on November 6, 1958 at a cost of £1.7 million. The dam was built for Mount Isa Mines and at the time, was the largest water scheme, in Australia, financed by private enterprise. [ [http://www.mountisa.biz/history/moondarra.php Lake Moondarra] . Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved on 10 September 2007]

On July 11, 1961 the dam officially became Lake Moondarra after a competition to name the dam. The aboriginal name means “plenty rain also thunder”.

The lake includes picnic areas, pontoons, a ski jump, and water sports facilities. The lake is also popular with anglers as it is stocked with barramundi and sooty grunter.

ee also

*Lake Julius
*List of reservoirs and dams in Australia
*Rifle Creek Dam
*East Leichhardt Dam

References