120 jobs on the back of Paradise Dam enabling works

• Enabling work for the new Paradise Dam wall is continuing
• On-site geotechnical investigations started, including drilling for core samples
• Road upgrades are progressing, to ensure the network caters for significant construction traffic expected
• Upgraded road network will provide long-term benefits and safety enhancements

VISION

Enabling work for the new Paradise Dam wall is continuing, with geotechnical investigations and road upgrades moving ahead.

Led by a team of engineers, geologists and geophysicists, the geotechnical work involves rigorous drilling to test the strength of the rock below the surface where the new wall will be constructed.

This thorough work will confirm the foundation conditions for the new structure while also providing Sunwater important insights to develop costs and materials required to deliver the project.

More than 50 boreholes are being drilled to extract core samples at depths ranging from 20 to 100 metres each.

The current enabling works, including the geotechnical activity, road upgrades, concrete mix designs and environmental approvals, are supporting 120 jobs. This number is expected to rise to approximately 350 jobs as planning and design works ramp up from next year.

Quarry investigations and other enabling works are expected to commence later in 2024.

Sunwater is also undertaking a detailed business case to expand the Bundaberg Water Supply Scheme irrigation network and address capacity constraints in accessing dam supply. This was a recommendation from the Bundaberg Burnett Regional Water Assessment.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“These enabling works are an essential step toward building the new Paradise Dam wall to deliver long-term water security, certainty and safety for the Bundaberg region.

“The Queensland Government is committed to delivering this project as quickly as possible, so it’s pleasing to see the enabling works progressing.

“While a new dam wall will ensure the people and industries of the Bundaberg region have a reliable water supply for at least the next 100 years, this project is already supporting the local workforce, and we can expect many more jobs to be created as we progress with major construction.

“While the Miles Government is getting on with the job, it is disappointing that the LNP have not given their support to restoring Paradise Dam; instead having put Paradise Dam and our farmers on the Cuts List.

“David Crisafulli says on Brisbane radio the Dam is a waste of money. Typical LNP – saying one thing to farmers and another thing in Brisbane.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith:

"These continued steps being undertaken are a clear sign of my commitment, and the commitment of the Miles Government to provide long-term water security for the Bundaberg region.

“These investigations and early works are crucial for laying the groundwork for a new dam wall that will serve the Bundaberg community for generations to come.

"The LNP refuse to provide any commitment to the future of Paradise Dam. They are dodging questions from journalists and from farmers.

“The truth is that the LNP are more focused on winning seats in Brisbane, than representing farmers in our region. Like many farmers, I too wonder what it is the LNP are hiding?"

Quotes attributable to Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton:

“This geotechnical work will provide us with the data we need to design and build a dam that meets the safety and water security objectives for the Bundaberg region for future generations.

“Understanding what’s going on below the surface allows us to consider and address any challenges during design, to prevent potential construction delays or unexpected costs.

“Importantly, we are building on previous investigations to ensure the right asset is built.”

Further Information:

For more information visit the Sunwater website.

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004