SEQ dams 'highest in nine years'

Wivenhoe Dam.

AAP

WATER levels in southeast Queensland's dams are at a nine-year high.

The combined level of Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine dams has increased significantly over the weekend and now sits at 93.8 per cent.

Water authority Seqwater said it was the first time the dams had been at that level since July 2001.

Both Wivenhoe and Somerset continue to receive strong inflows but additional rain is needed for Wivenhoe to reach capacity.

Queensland Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson said dam levels would be considered before a 50-year water strategy, including water restrictions, for the region was finalised in April.

"Given that they were at 16 per cent back in August 2007, this is a remarkable turnaround," he said.

"There is no need to rush - obviously we've enjoyed a very good wet season here in southeast Queensland, but it is the longer term that we will have a focus on in determining the final strategy."

Mr Robertson said water usage was still below the target of 200 litres per person per day.

The Somerset Dam catchment has received the most rain with 233mm in the past seven days.

Somerset and North Pine dams are both 98.9 per cent full.

Water is being released from Somerset into Wivenhoe Dam, which is 91.3 per cent full.

Lake Baroon Pocket dam on the Sunshine Coast is 98.8 per cent full.

The Gold Coast's Hinze dam has been overflowing for several weeks.