GHD, Jacob, Epic Environmental win Paradise Dam rebuild tenders

Three more successful tenders have been announced for the $1.2 billion Paradise Dam rebuild, with a promise they will generate 250 jobs. Read the latest on this huge project:

The Paradise Dam rebuild project reached another milestone on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, when it was announced three contracts had been awarded for design, geotechnical and environmental services.

Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the contracts highlighted the progress being made on planning, design and approval activities required for the the $1 billion project.

“The Paradise Dam Improvement Project is expected to support about 250 jobs during construction and will deliver significant economic benefits to the Bundaberg region for generations,” Mr Butcher said.

“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 security 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.”

Paradise Dam overflowing after heavy rain in the catchment. Pic John Wilson

Labor Bundaberg MP Tom Smith said the rebuild was vital for the region.

“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,” Mr Smith said.

“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.”

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

Engineering specialist GHD has been appointed to prepare the reference design for the project. This will be used to procure a major construction partner.

Jacobs will undertake geotechnical investigations and assess availability of any suitable basalt material that could be used as aggregate for the dam.

Specialist consultants, Epic Environmental, will undertake an environmental impact assessment and prepare applications for the necessary environment and planning approvals for the project.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuuk at Paradise damin early 2022 to announce the rebuilding of the dam. Photo Paul Beutel

The three contracts will support 37 jobs over the coming year and follow the recent appointment of Harrison Infrastructure Group to lead an extensive investigation of the road network leading to the dam to ensure about one million tonnes of aggregate can be transported safely.

Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the consulting firms would provide specialist expertise essential for project success.

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

Mr Stockton said Sunwater would continue to engage with the Bundaberg and Burnett communities so planning for the project can consider what is happening on the ground and in the broader region.

“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,” he said.