Preliminary Dam Site Selection and Catchment Studies

In 2018, Grace GIS undertook a comprehensive preliminary assessment for the Flinders Shire Council to support early-stage planning for the Flinders River irrigation initiative. The project evaluated the feasibility of developing new water storage infrastructure by analysing multiple dam site options and their potential to support future irrigation schemes.

Using high-resolution terrain data and hydrological modelling, Grace GIS delineated catchment areas for Betts Gorge Creek, the Flinders River, and Stewart Creek—providing accurate upstream contributing areas essential for assessing inflow potential. Storage capacities were calculated for a range of Full Supply Levels (FSLs), enabling comparative analysis of dam performance under different design scenarios.

To evaluate long-term water availability, yearly surface runoff volumes were estimated using the SWAT model, integrating rainfall, soil, and catchment characteristics. This hydrological assessment provided a realistic indication of water reliability and variability across wet and dry years.

The study also investigated the feasibility of diverting water from the Dutton River and Porcupine Weir to supplement dam inflows, exploring opportunities to optimise allocation and enhance the viability of potential irrigation schemes.

Together, these analyses provided Flinders Shire Council with a solid, data-driven foundation for assessing irrigation potential, guiding engineering planning, and identifying the most promising water storage options for future agricultural development in the region.