Enabling works begin in preparation for major construction on new Paradise Dam wall

Following the announcement that an entirely new dam wall will be built, vital enabling works have now commenced around Paradise Dam in preparation for major construction. 

Enabling works include upgrades to about 10 kilometres of Paradise Dam Road to improve safety as well as enhance traffic movement around the project site. These road improvements are important enabling works that will support the development of the new Paradise Dam. 

The Paradise Dam Road upgrade is the first of three road upgrades necessary to support the dam's construction – which is a complex, multi-year project requiring significant heavy vehicle use to transport materials and equipment. 

“These road works are an essential part of preparing for construction at the dam as they allow us to safely transport large volumes of heavy materials and equipment to site. 

“They will also provide long-term improvements for local road users and visitors to the dam. 

“We will continue to work with the local community on this crucial project and will provide information about future work opportunities as they are available,” Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said. 

CMC Group has been engaged by Sunwater to undertake the first road upgrade that will run from the dam towards the intersection of Paradise Dam and Booyal-Dallarnil roads. 

About 14 local workers are needed to deliver the initial road upgrade that involves pavement realignment, bitumen surfacing, widening of vertical crests, drainage enhancements, line marking and signage. As works progress, more jobs on site will be available. 

Weather permitting, upgrades to Paradise Dam Road are due to be completed in late 2024. 

“It is important that the Bundaberg community is seeing the Government’s commitment to progressing the works on Paradise Dam. 

“Ensuring the employment of 14 residents from the region demonstrates our focus to deliver the best outcomes for Bundaberg. 

“In addition to these local workers, eight locals from Harrison Infrastructure Group also worked on the road network planning at the site, further highlighting the significance of local investment,” Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said. 

Design works are also being carried out for two further upgrades that will include replacing a low-level crossing with a bridge at Degilbo Creek to improve its resilience to floods, and upgrading sections of Booyal-Dallarnil Road, including the intersections with the Bruce Highway and with Paradise Dam Road. 

Last month, the Queensland Government announced that an entirely new wall will be built immediately downstream the existing Paradise Dam wall after expert recommendations say the existing wall has too many issues to be repaired or reinforced. 

As part of the detailed business case for the project, Sunwater carried out a program of intensive testing on the existing wall and identified three unexpected new issues that affect the long-term strength and quality of Paradise Dam’s concrete. 

Sunwater is now progressing a detailed business case for the new wall, with timeframes and project costs to be confirmed through this process. Planning and design work for the new Paradise Dam wall is well underway. 

CPB Contractors and Georgiou Group have been appointed as construction partners, and GHD as the ongoing design partner for the project. 

“These road upgrades are important enabling works as part of our commitment to build a new wall for Paradise Dam. Early works like road upgrades are vital to ensuring we are in the best position to start construction and safely transport the right materials and equipment to site. 

“Delivering water security and a safe dam for the people of the Bundaberg and Burnett regions is a priority – and we need to make sure we get it right. 

“We are getting on with the job of planning for a new wall at Paradise Dam,” Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Sunwater (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine