Paradise Dam safety improved ahead of wet season

Published Tuesday, 08 October, 2013 at 06:00 AM

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Bundaberg will be better protected this wet season following SunWater’s acceptance of all recommendations in a report issued on this year’s Paradise Dam flood event.

The Queensland Government today released the independent New South Wales Department of Public Works review into dam safety management actions at Paradise Dam.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle commissioned the review of the dam, located south-west of Bundaberg following extensive damage during the January 2013 floods.

The review specifically looked at damage to Paradise Dam from previous flood events, the adequacy of SunWater’s response to the flood event, remedial works to the dam and updates to the Emergency Action Plan.

Mr McArdle said the report commended SunWater’s safety management actions during the flood event.

“The review found SunWater has a world class dam safety management system for Paradise Dam and it maintained an excellent level of communication with disaster management groups,” Mr McArdle said.

“The review also recommended several improvements to the dam and its operation be investigated as part of the current remedial works.”

Improvements include measures to prevent debris affecting the dam’s operation; improving the mechanical and electrical operation and reliability of the dam; and allowing a greater release discharge without disrupting any potential future remediation work in the dam’s energy dissipation zone.

Mr McArdle said the findings of the review would make SunWater’s already impressive dam safety management system even better.

He said recently completed repairs to Paradise Dam would enable it to withstand a flood event similar to the one which occurred in January this year.

“Further repairs scheduled to be completed by the end of the month will mean the dam should be able to withstand multiple flood events similar to the one which hit the Bundaberg region in January,” he said.

“The Emergency Action Plan must also be revised to include additional risk-mitigation measures for Paradise Dam.”

[ENDS] 8 October 2013

Media Contact: Anthony Jones 0419 774 836