QLD Paradise Dam Improvement Project on track for major construction

The Queensland Government is investing $116.4 million to keep the ball rolling on pre-construction works on the Paradise Dam Improvement Project, paving the way for major construction to begin late next year. 

Enabling works are already underway and Sunwater is also progressing procurement, design development and approval activities to prepare the project site for mobilisation ahead of the beginning of major works. 

Outlet works to replace Paradise Dam’s irrigation valves are due for completion in August of this year. 

“This complex infrastructure project, delivered in a live operational environment is a major and vital undertaking. 

“When completed, the Paradise Dam Improvement Project will return the dam to its full 300,000ML capacity and will provide a safe, reliable and secure water supply to local agricultural, industrial and urban communities. 

“The strength of this year’s Budget gives us the ability to make the investments necessary to ensure Queensland’s continued prosperity,” Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said. 

In addition, Sunwater is preparing three packages of work for road improvements, with the first package already underway. 

The first package includes upgrading 10 kilometres of Paradise Dam Road that leads to the dam. Road upgrades involve pavement realignment, bitumen surfacing, widening of vertical crests, drainage enhancements, line marking and signage. 

The second package will include replacing a low-level crossing at Degilbo Creek with a higher-level bridge to help resilience during flood events. Lastly, the third package will upgrade the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Booyal-Dallarnil Road. 

“Returning Paradise Dam to its original capacity and getting jobs on the ground for the region, is a priority for the Palaszczuk Labor Government. 

“This is why it is an important item in the Big Build, ensuring water security for the region. 

“A rebuilt Paradise Dam is a vote of confidence for the farmers and industry in the Bundaberg and Burnett region – and it will undeniably unlock new economic opportunity,” Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said. 

The approximately $1.2 billion Paradise Dam Improvement Project is one of the most complex engineering projects in the region’s history. The project will include: 

• Buttressing with mass concrete cross the primary and secondary dam spillways and left abutment wall 
• New training walls 
• Extending the existing downstream apron 
• Raising and replacing sections of the secondary spillway 

These works will provide long-term water security for the Bundaberg region through the restoration of the dam’s capacity. The major improvements will also help improve Paradise Dam’s resilience against major flooding as well as extreme weather events. 

“This is an investment in long-term water security and local jobs for Regional Queensland. 

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

“This is one of the largest construction projects in the history of the Bundaberg region and it will ensure water security for the farmers, industry, and the broader community is safeguarded for decades to come,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

The Paradise Dam Improvement Project is estimated to support around 250 jobs during the construction phase and is expected to deliver flow-on benefits for local businesses and Bundaberg’s regional economy once the dam is back to being fully operational. 

“This is a critical step on the path to fixing Paradise Dam and one that will benefit and support local growers. 

“We know that a reliable water supply is a key ingredient for continued growth and prosperity for our region – which is one of the most important food bowls in the country. 

“I’m proud that Bundaberg workers will play an important role in delivering this project,” Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said. 

The $1.2 billion project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and Queensland Government, each contributing $600 million. 

“Water is one of our country’s most precious resources. 

“The Albanese Labor Government knows how important rebuilding the Paradise Dam is to provide water security and drive economic growth in Queensland’s food bowl of Bundaberg. 

“That’s why we are investing $600 million towards the Paradise Dam Improvement Project. 

“I look forward to continuing working in partnership with the Queensland Government to build a secure water future for all Queenslanders,” Federal Minister for Water Tanya Plibersek said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Sunwater; Utility Magazine