Paradise Dam wall to be fully replaced amid safety fears

The Paradise Dam wall will be demolished and rebuilt over safety concerns in a major government decision that is likely to add cost and delay to the troublesome $1.2bn project.

Paradise Dam

The Paradise Dam wall will be demolished and rebuilt over safety concerns in a major government decision that is likely to add cost and delay to the troublesome $1.2bn project.

The state government will on Thursday announce the dam wall on the $1.2bn project should be wholly replaced.

Dam operator Sunwater said while the existing dam was safer at the lower supply level following the completion of essential works, the existing wall had too many issues to be repaired and safe when it returned to full capacity.

The dam, southwest of Bundaberg, will remain at the current lower supply level during the rebuild, with no completion date revealed.

Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the state government remained committed to restoring the full water supply delivered by the original dam, which was lowered in 2020 amid safety fears.

Thursday’s decision is expected to add to the lengthy delays to the project, with a business case for the new dam wall now underway and new environmental approvals needing to be sought.

The state and federal government each committed $600m to the original $1.2bn cost of the improvement project, but Mr Butcher said timelines and costings would be confirmed when the new business case and approvals were finalised.

He said the decision was a win for the Bundaberg region and would benefit primary producers.

Paradise Dam

“A new wall will ensure the dam is a lifelong asset and will deliver for an even longer term than promised by the repair,” he said.

“The Queensland government will always listen to the experts and the expert advice tells us we cannot repair the existing dam wall.

“We are not going to lose a minute, with Sunwater appointing its construction partner and early works at the site continuing full steam ahead to ensure the new dam wall can proceed as quickly as possible, once all approvals have been obtained.”

Repeated delays to the project over several years sparked criticism from Opposition water spokeswoman Deb Frecklington, who argued in October that the Paradise Dam “debacle” had already gone on too long.

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith, who at the 2020 election pledged to complete the full restoration of the dam, said the government remained committed to delivering on that pledge.

“The Miles Government is drawing a line in the sand – making sure that we deliver on our commitment to restore the water supply in full, while eliminating any doubt for safety and water security of Bundaberg,” he said.

“The evidence is clear, but so is the way forward. A new wall across the Burnett River will deliver a new strength for the agricultural and horticultural productivity of this region.”

Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the “concrete quality” of the dam meant it could no be repaired to last the decades expected.