Queensland is reopening the Somerset Spillway Common which had been closed since sustaining damage in the 2011 floods, and is unveiling a plan to transform the Somerset region's network of dams into a natural tourism attraction. 

Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle announced a Recreation Review to develop recreation management plans for the future use of the region's lakes and catchments.  People are encouraged to go Seqwater’s website to register to have their say on how the system should be developed.

McArdle foresees the review leading to a tourism boom for the Somerset region.

“It will be a way where people across the communities have a right to input into how best use their waterways, how we can attract more tourists, how we're going to attract dollars into the community,” he said.

Ipswich West MP Sean Choat would like to see festivals, fishing competitions and even boat racing in Wivenhoe and the Somerset.

The review will include the development of recreation site master plans for clusters of dams across the region detailing allowable activities, available facilities, management rules and guidelines.