Gladstone Area Water Board
Safely and Reliably Delivering for Gladstone Since 1973
Contact details
- Address
- 136 Goondoon St , Gladstone, QLD, Australia, 4680
- Email Gladstone Area Water Board
- Phone
- +61 7 4976 3000
- Website
- Visit Gladstone Area Water Board
- Mon
- 08:30 - 17:00
- Tue
- 08:30 - 17:00
- Wed
- 08:30 - 17:00
- Thu
- 08:30 - 17:00
- Fri
- 08:30 - 17:00
Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) is a Queensland Government-owned bulk water supply authority based in Central Queensland, responsible for delivering safe, secure and reliable water services that support regional economic development and enhance the lifestyle of local communities. As a leading water provider, GAWB plays a vital role in supplying water to key customers, including Gladstone Regional Council, through an extensive network of pipelines, treatment plants and bulk distribution infrastructure.
Central to its operations is Awoonga Dam, located on the Boyne River approximately 30 minutes south of Gladstone. GAWB holds a licensed allocation of 78,000 megalitres per annum from the Boyne River catchment, ensuring a sustainable supply of water to the region. Awoonga Dam refers to the physical infrastructure, including the dam wall and spillway, while Lake Awoonga is the body of water it creates—widely known as a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
With a capacity of 730,500 megalitres, Awoonga Dam is the fourth largest dam in Queensland and a significant regional asset. Lake Awoonga offers a wide range of recreational facilities, including boat ramps, picnic areas, barbecues, playgrounds and the well-known Boynedale Bush Camp, all maintained by GAWB and free for the community to enjoy. Importantly, the dam is fed only by rainfall within the Boyne River catchment, meaning rain in surrounding areas such as Gladstone does not necessarily contribute to dam levels.
Beyond its core water supply responsibilities, GAWB operates under a strong corporate governance framework designed to ensure accountability, transparency and effective resource management. This provides confidence to government, customers and stakeholders in GAWB’s ability to deliver consistent and reliable services.
Established in 1973, GAWB has played a key role in supporting the growth and development of the Gladstone region for over 50 years. In 2023, the organisation celebrated this milestone with a series of initiatives and community-focused projects, including infrastructure upgrades, new recreational facilities and the “Then and Now” exhibition, which highlights the region’s shared water history. GAWB continues to focus on sustainable water management while recognising and respecting the Traditional Owners of the land and water on which it operates.