More jobs supported as another road package for Paradise Dam rolls out

• Enabling work for the new Paradise Dam wall is continuing
• $13 million roadwork contract to support up to 30 jobs
• Vital upgrades will improve safety and allow for increased traffic movements
• New dam wall project to enhance water security in the Bundaberg region
• Minister Butcher calls for LNP to back new wall project

Critical road improvements for the Paradise Dam project are continuing following the award of a contract to upgrade eight intersections on road network to the dam.

The $13 million project is the second of three road upgrades being delivered to improve safety and cater for increased traffic movements to and from the dam.

Construction firm Hazell Brothers will deliver the work that will support up to 30 jobs, which will include suppliers and workers from the Bundaberg and Burnett region.

Improvements to major intersections at Booyal Dallarnil Road and the Bruce Highway, and Dallarnil Road and Paradise Dam Road will begin in the next two months.

The work includes lengthening turning lanes, improved truck turning paths, updating signage and improving sight distance to make entering and exiting these roads safer.

Minor intersections will be upgraded at Gooroolba Biggenden Road, Emu Creek Road, Seccombes Road and Coringa Road intersection, as well as Muan Road, Coringa Road and Gooroolba Biggenden Road at Degilbo.

Works on the two major intersections is expected to be completed by April 2025, weather permitting.

Activities are underway for an upgrade to a 10-kilometre section of Paradise Dam Road. A contract to replace a low-level crossing with a bridge at Degilbo Creek to improve flood resilience will be awarded later this year.

Geotechnical investigations for the new dam wall project are continuing, while planning and design work is well underway.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“The Miles Government is committed to delivering the Paradise Dam Improvement Project and we’re getting on with the job with these important road upgrades.

“This work is necessary to support the increased vehicle movements expected around the dam during the construction of the new wall.

“Not only are we delivering infrastructure that provides long-term water security for the region, but we’re also providing better and safer roads for locals in the process.

“Our support for this project is clear. But the LNP must come clean with Queenslanders and stop being sneaky.

“Do they support a new wall for Paradise Dam?

“How do they plan to fund any infrastructure if they don’t support the government’s progressive coal royalties?”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith:

“It’s great to see this project continuing to create jobs that benefit Bundaberg and the local workforce.

“This work will ensure our local roads can support the safety of vehicles and workers travelling to the dam site.

“The improved intersections will not only allow for long and heavy vehicle haulage during construction but leave a positive legacy for local motorists for years to come.

“David Crisafulli and the LNP are playing small target – trying to say as little as possible. But we still haven’t heard what their plans are for Paradise Dam. We still haven’t heard that they support Sunwater proceeding with a new structure.”

Quotes attributable to Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton:

“At Sunwater, safety is our biggest priority, so it’s essential the roads around the dam support the safe movement of large volumes of heavy vehicles and equipment needed at the dam site.

“This work will provide long-term improvements that will support the community’s safety as they travel to where they live and work.

“Sunwater is committed to ongoing engagement with the community to ensure transparency as we plan for the new Paradise Dam wall.

“We are inviting the community to speak to our team at one of our upcoming information sessions to find out more about these road upgrades.

“There may be some traffic impacts during construction, and I thank the community for their patience while this important work is underway.”

Further Information:

Sunwater is inviting the community to learn more about the road projects at upcoming drop-in sessions:

• Wednesday 28 August 2024 from 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm at Deglibo Community Hall, Exhibition St, Degilbo
• Tuesday 27 August from 4:30 - 6:30pm at Goodnight Scrub Hall, 333 Goodnight Scrub Road, Morganville

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004