Works set to commence on $1.2bn Paradise Dam Improvement Project QLD

The restoration of Paradise Dam in Queensland is being fast tracked towards construction with the State Government announcing that enabling works will begin in April of this year. 

The critical enabling works will ensure that the dam can safely remain operational during the delivery of the Paradise Dam Improvement Project. 

Meanwhile, a range of procurement, design and planning activities are already being carried out. 

“It is great to see progress on this critical project that will return the dam to its full 300 gigalitre capacity as part of safety improvement works. 

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

“Today’s announcement won’t come as a surprise to Sunwater’s clients and stakeholders, as they’ve been kept up to date by the fantastic tram on the ground throughout this process,” Water Minister Glenn Butcher said. 

Scope of the project includes: 

• 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 

Early works on the project will also include upgrading local roads, material sourcing and investigations as well as planning a workers accommodation camp. 

Major construction on the Paradise Dam project is anticipated to begin in 2024. 

“This region is one of Australia’s most important food bowls and we know that a reliable water supply is a key ingredient for continued growth and prosperity. 

“Moving forward, I’m proud that Bundaberg workers will play an important role in delivering this project. 

“We already have a local firm engaged in road upgrade works and there will be many more job opportunities to come,” Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said. 

The Paradise Dam Improvement Project is expected to support over 250 jobs during its construction and deliver long-term economic benefits to the State. 

Sunwater held an industry briefing in Bundaberg to provide an overview of the civil construction procurement process for enabling road works. 

Quarry investigations and concrete mix design trials are underway as well, which is a vital part of project planning to ensure Paradise Dam can provide water security for generations to come. 

“As we will be undertaking work on an operational dam that sits in a dynamic river system, there are a number of things we must consider to ensure a safe working environment. 

“The upcoming outlet works will require water releases to lower the dam’s storage level. 

“There will be no impact on announced allocations this water year and Sunwater will continue to actively engage customers about released to allow for appropriate planning,” Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said. 

The Paradise Dam Improvement Project is jointly funded by the Australian Government via the National Water Grid Fund and Queensland Government, each contributing $600 million. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Sunwater