Restoration of Paradise Dam declared a coordinated project

The Queensland Government has declared the restoration of Paradise Dam a coordinated project, fast-tracking it towards construction. 

The declaration by Queensland’s Coordinator-General will ensure the project goes through a streamlined approval and consultation process, with the State Government aiming to deliver water sacurity, flood resilience and economic growth for the Bundaberg region. 

“The Crisafulli Government’s commitment to rebuilding Paradise Dam will ensure communities, growers and industries have the reliable water supply they need to grow Queensland’s economy. 

“We are building the long-term infrastructure that gives rural and regional communities the confidence to grow,” Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said. 

“Water security is a priority for Callide and this declaration delivers on the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to fix Labor’s failures,” Member for Callide Bryson Head said. 

The restoration of Paradise Dam is essential to safeguard water security for Bundaberg as well as bolstering the region’s $2 billion agricultural and food manufacturing industry. The project is also expected to create hundreds of jobs during its construction phase. 

The Queensland Government announced in January 2024 that Sunwater is planning to build an entirely new Paradise Dam wall on the Burnett River after identifying three unexpected issues regarding the long-term strengthe and quality of Paradise Dam’s concrete. 

“We are delivering on our election commitment to restore Paradise Dam which will support jobs and safeguard Bundaberg’s $2 billion agricultural industry. 

“By restoring Paradise Dam we’re not just building infrastructure – we’re building job creating economic growth for generations to come. 

“With early works already underway and now with the coordinated project declaration, the LNP have done more in 10 months to fix Paradise Dam, than Labor did in a decade. 

“The declaration by the Coordinator-General will streamline the project, enabling Sunwater to progress critical works faster. It wil ensure the community and stakeholders have an opportunity to participate in public notification processes and have their say,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said. 

Timelines and consultation opportunities have not yet been conformed. 

The proposed key features of the Paradise Dam Improvement Project are: 

• Construction of a new dam wall approximately 90 metres downstream of the original dam wall 

• Partial demolition and decommissioning of the existing dam wall 

• Restoration of the dam to full supply level of 67.6 metres AHD and storage volume of 300,000ML 

• Realignment of Kalliwa Road and widening of site access road across Allen Creek 

Subject to approvals, the project is expected to begin construction in 2028. 

“The former Labor Government neglected Paradise Dam which jeopardised critical water supply in the region,” Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said. 

“The decision by Sunwater to partner with the OCG to streamline delivery of the new Paradise Dam Project, and their broader infrastructure pipeline, is a great outcome. 

“OCG is working closely with the proponent, communities of North Burnett and Bundaberg councils and stakeholders to facilitate projects and foster strong partnerships between government agencies, stakeholders, and the community through the approvals process,” Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – State Development, Infrastructure and Planning; Sunwater