Palaszczuk Government taking next steps on critical Paradise Dam project

• Enabling works at Paradise Dam will begin shortly, including work on the dam’s outlet valves
• The works are critical for the dam to be safely operated during the Paradise Dam Improvement Project
• 250 good construction jobs will be created throughout the project’s lifespan

The Palaszczuk Government is forging ahead with the Paradise Dam restoration program.

Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher said enabling works at the dam would start soon, while a range of procurement, design and planning activities were already well underway.

Sunwater expect to start work on the dam’s outlet in April 2023, weather permitting.

These works are critical for the dam to be safely operated during the Paradise Dam Improvement Project.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said the project would support more than 250 jobs during construction and deliver long-term economic benefits to Queensland.

Sunwater will today host an industry briefing in Bundaberg, which will provide an overview of the civil construction procurement process for enabling road works.

Additionally, quarry investigations and concrete mix design trials are underway. This is a critical step in project planning to ensure the dam can provide water security into the future.

Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the project’s dedicated team is working across multiple fronts to prepare for works at Paradise Dam.

Quotes attributable to Water Minister Glenn Butcher:

“It is great to see progress on this critical project that will return the dam to its full 300 gigalitre capacity as part of safety improvement works,” he said.

“A rebuilt Paradise Dam will provide future certainty for local growers - as well as ensuring a safe and secure water supply across the region for generations.”

“Today’s announcement won’t come as a surprise to Sunwater’s clients and stakeholders, as they’ve been kept up to date by the fantastic team on the ground throughout this process.

Quotes attributable to Bundaberg MP Tom Smith:

“This region is one of Australia’s most important food bowls and we know that a reliable water supply is a key ingredient for continued growth and prosperity,” he said.

“This is a critical step on the path to restoring Paradise Dam and one that is supported by the Palaszczuk Government and local growers.

“Moving forward, I’m proud that Bundaberg workers will play an important role in delivering this project.

“We already have a local firm engaged in road upgrade works and there will be many more job opportunities to come.”

Quotes attributable to Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton:

“As we will be undertaking work on an operational dam that sits in a dynamic river system, there are a number of things we must consider to ensure a safe working environment,” he said.

“The upcoming outlet works will require water releases to lower the dam’s storage level.

“Since mid-2022, we have advised customers that releases would be needed at certain times so we can safely complete work to restore and strengthen Paradise Dam.

“There will be no impact on announced allocations this water year and Sunwater will continue to actively engage customers about releases to allow for appropriate planning.”

Further information:

The Paradise Dam Improvement project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund ($600 million) and the Queensland Government ($600 million).

Emilia Hutchinson - 0437 060 435