An independent review will start next month to determine if there is a chance the Paradise Dam in southern Queensland will become unsafe if there is a major flood.
SunWater and the state government announced the dam’s capacity is being reduced to 42 per cent, and the spillway will be lowered by 5 meters.
Locals have criticised the government for failing to consult with graziers and farmers about the issue.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey called the dam the largest failure of a piece of infrastructure in Queensland’s history.
"It's not the effect of the two natural disasters, it's the actual structure and integrity of how the dam was built in the first place and where it was built," Mayor Dempsey said.