Keith Pitt calls on federal government to commit to Paradise Dam restoration

Politicians are up in arms after an announcement that promised funding for the Paradise Dam restoration may be reconsidered.

It has been almost a decade since damages to Paradise Dam occurred after heavy flooding and now as election promises hang in the balance so does the future of the dam’s restoration.

As fruit and vegetable growers face an uneasy future for water access, the Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and for Flynn Colin Boyce are calling for a concrete commitment from the federal government.

The LNP’s Mr Pitt and Mr Boyce are concerned the new federal government will not honour a $600m promise both major parties made at the election towards the dam’s $1.2bn restoration project.

It comes after Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said she was “carefully considering all dam funding announcements from the previous government”.

It is hoped the dam can be restored to its former capacity of 300,000 megalitres.

Water flows over the wall at the capacity-reduced Paradise Dam after years of drought. Picture: SunWater

Mr Pitt called on the government to lock in the funding for the project.

“It’s another broken election promise by the Albanese Government and the people of this region deserve better,” Mr Pitt said.

“Now to hear that the (Ms Plibersek) is considering dam funding announcements, will bring back the uncertainty our growers faced for 868 days before the Queensland State Labor Government would commit to rebuilding the dam.

“It’s unacceptable to me that the Albanese Government is considering backflipping on this vital infrastructure project. This is people’s livelihoods that are at risk.”

Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce said water security for the future of the state was vital, particularly for the agricultural sector.

Tenders for the restoration have already been approved for Paradise Dam. Photo: SunWater.

“For (Ms Plibersek) to be even considering not providing the funding to the rebuild of Paradise Dam makes no sense, whatsoever,” Mr Boyce said.

“Minister Plibersek needs to understand that no water means no food.

“Water infrastructure is fundamental in the Bundaberg region considering it produces 25% of Australia’s fresh produce.”

Water Minister Glenn Butcher has called the claims an unnecessary worry, and has said both federal and state governments are committed to the funding.

“For the federal LNP to say they don’t think this is going to happen, is another nasty lie that they’re spreading before the Federal budget comes out in October,” he said.

“We will be delivering this $1.2 billion, with the support of the Federal Government moving forward,” he said.

He further emphasizes that significant early works funding had already been secured for the site, and the federal government had no intention on backing down from further funding.

“In this year’s budget, we’ve [state Labor] already committed $30 million to deliver early works, on this fantastic local project,” he said.