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Increased growth in Queensland by the late 1920s created the need for a more substantial and consistent water supply to meet future demands.
Somerset Dam was conceived as a multi-purpose dam that would span the Stanley River and provide the major water supply headworks for Brisbane, Ipswich and the surrounding shires. As Queensland’s first major dam, it was designed to generate electricity and prevent flooding in the Brisbane valleys.
In 1934, the Bureau of Industry was responsible for the construction of the dam. At the time, the cost of building the new dam was estimated at $1.75 million. More than 450 workers were employed on the project that was finally completed in 1959.
The dam, which holds 380,000 megalitres of water, remains a valuable resource, although its supply has diminished in recent times. The present water crisis now requires a sustainable approach for effective water management and conservation which will greater serve the needs of an increasing population in Queensland.
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 | Somerset Dam under construction, 11 February 1949
Queensland State Archives Item ID 1140020, Digital Image ID 2979 Co-ordinator General’s Office
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 | 1934 Hitler becomes leader of Germany |
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