Independent review to start into Paradise Dam

An independent review will start next month into Paradise Dam and the local community’s readiness for another significant flood, as local producers step up to take free water.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Lynham said Cyclone Oswald and the large flood in 2013 devastated Bundaberg and caused significant damage in the dam’s vicinity.

“Following that event, then Minister for Energy and Water Supply, Mark McArdle, commissioned a review of the dam to assess damage, Sunwater’s response to the flood event, remedial works and updates to the Emergency Action Plan,” he said.

“We need to ensure that downstream residents are protected if there was a repeat of that 2013 event, and that’s what this review will look at.

“Disaster management is about continuous improvement. Every time Queensland is faced with a disaster, we learn something invaluable from the experience, and we apply that to future preventive actions and responses.”

Meanwhile, existing and potential new customers continue to contact Sunwater about access to the 80,000 megalitres of free water being made available.

Dr Lynham said free water would be available from midday Friday. Anybody wanting to access water should contact Sunwater on 131 589 or customersupport@Sunwater.com.au

Sunwater has been briefing local producers and community leaders since yesterday and expects a community reference group should have its first meeting within a fortnight.

The community reference group will include community and industry representatives and an independent chair.

Sunwater is reducing the storage level at Paradise Dam and lowering the spillway ahead of summer for safety reasons.

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Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314