Early works on QLD Paradise Dam Improvement Project commences

The rebuilding of Paradise Dam in Queensland is progressing with the award of a key contract that will get early works underway to pave the way for major construction on roads and access points as part of the overall project. 

Harrison Infrastructure Group (HIG), a local contracting company, will be heading an extensive investigation of the road network that leads to Paradise Dam. 

“This is an important early milestone for a long-term project that will deliver water security and safety for the Bundaberg region. 

“Our government’s investment includes $30.1 million for the next 12 months, as part of the broader $1.2 billion investment in this project. 

“With a project as significant in size as this rebuild, we need to focus on not only building the dam back stronger and safer but also ensuring the early works – particularly the road network being made safer – meet the needs of the project and the community over the long term,” Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said. 

The project will not only restore Paradise Dam, but it will also generate much-needed local jobs. 

Approximately eight regional jobs are going to be supported through early works while major construction on the Paradise Dam rebuild is anticipated to create up to 250 jobs and open opportunities for local businesses and contractors, delivering significant flow-on benefits. 

“The Paradise Dam Improvement Project will require significant heavy vehicle movements as quarry materials and equipment are moved to the work site and it’s great to see local businesses benefiting already from this project. 

“These early works are vital to ensure the construction program is safe and has the right materials on site and ready for when construction begins. 

“As we’ve said before, this project is huge – restoring Paradise Dam to its original height will use almost as much concrete as when the dam was originally built,” Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said. 

HIG’s $2.6 million with Sunwater will get the former to examine haulage and construction transport needs that will determine road upgrades that are necessary for the project. 

Both Sunwater and HIG will engage with North Burnett and Bundaberg regional councils and the Department of Transport and Main Roads as well as contact local property owners as planning progresses on the Paradise Dam Improvement Project. 

“Moving forward, the project team is focused on progressing design and planning approvals and planning to engage with industry to secure a construction partner. 

“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. 

Sunwater is currently finalising engineering design and detailed work, which will be supported by geotechnical activities. 

Early works that will begin this year will include planning, design and upgrades of existing roads; investigations into suitable aggregate and other construction materials; and planning the mobilisation and establishment at the construction site. 

On the other hand, enabling works such as local road upgrades are anticipated to commence in 2023 and major construction on the Paradise Dam rebuild to begin in 2024. 

The Paradise Dam Improvement Project will include: 

• Buttressing with mass concrete across 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 

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