Three contracts awarded for $1.2bn Paradise Dam Improvement Project

Following the award of a key contract in July, another three contracts have been awarded for design, geotechnical and environmental services for the Paradise Dam Improvement Project in Queensland. 

These contract awards are evidence of the progress being made on the vital planning, design and approval activities needed to get major construction going on the project. 

“In this year’s state budget, $30.1 million was allocated in the next 12 months, for this rebuild. 

“It’s great to see work starting straight away. This announcement is further confirmation that the money is already being put to use, to get the critical planning, design and early works underway. 

“We understand how crucial water supply is for our irrigators and the community, so it is essential we get this right and do it in a way that keeps workers and the community safe,” QLD Water Minister Glenn Butcher said. 

The proposed improvements to Paradise Dam 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 

“This is one of the largest construction projects in the history of the Wide Bay, it is critical that we engage experts every step of the way and today’s announcement is evidence of that. 

“The project team will need to schedule and manage major activities around wet seasons, and work within a dynamic river system on an operational dam. 

“That is why the planning activities are critical for long-term project success,” Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith said. 

The Paradise Dam Improvement Project is anticipated to support up to 250 jobs during its construction, providing a significant economic boost to the Bundaberg region now and into the future. 

The three new contract awards will generate about 37 jobs and will further support the investigation works being done by Sunwater. 

The first contract was awarded to GHD and it will get the engineering specialist to undertake the preparation of the reference design for the project that is going to be used to procure a major construction partner. 

The geotechnical investigations contract, on the other hand, was awarded to Jacobs and this contract award will also get the company to assess the availability of any suitable basalt material that can be utilised as an aggregate for the dam. 

Lastly, specialist consultant Epic Environmental has been awarded the contract to carry out an environmental impact assessment as well as prepare applications for the necessary environment and planning approvals for the Paradise Dam Improvement Project. 

In addition, Sunwater will continue engaging with local Bundaberg and Burnett communities as planning progresses. 

“They all have significant experience on large projects and are familiar with the challenges that come with working on operational water infrastructure assets. 

“We are committed to working with all stakeholders on this crucial project and will provide information about future work opportunities as they are available so local businesses have the best possible opportunity to be involved,” Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said. 

The $1.2 billion Paradise Dam Improvement Project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, each contributing $600 million. 

Early works on the project are expected to commence in 2023. This will include local road upgrades, material sourcing and investigations as well as planning for a workers accommodation camp. 

Major construction on the dam is anticipated to begin in 2024. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Bundaberg Now; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Sunwater