Paradise Dam wall rebuild ‘welcome but late’

Bundaberg farmers say the Palaszczuk government’s plan to start a rebuild of the wall at Paradise Dam in 2024 is too late and have called for construction to start sooner.

Fruit and vegetable growers in Bundaberg say the Queensland government’s plan to start a rebuild of the wall at Paradise Dam in 2024 is too late and have called for construction to start sooner.

Growers linked to a class action against the government and dam operator Sunwater said the government’s detailed analysis of the dam wall’s faults over the past two years should enable planning and design for the replacement wall to be started and finished sooner.

They warned it would become an election issue in the marginal seat, 360km north of Brisbane, at the next state election in 2024 if the dam is not well on its way to being rebuilt by that time.

Paradise Dam’s carrying 300,000 megalitre capacity was reduced by about 42 per cent two years ago after structural problems were discovered in the 15-year-old wall.

Childers lychee and cane grower Jamie Hansen said the government’s announcement last month that it would rebuild the dam to its original height was welcome, but the time frame was concerning.

“At the end of the day, the government has spent years studying Paradise Dam … I don’t understand the need for such a long delay before we see construction begin” he said.

“I’d like to see the rebuilding begin at the start of the coming dry season.

“I’m confused as to why the government scaled back the construction crew they had at the dam for all of 2021.”

Mr Hansen said he was worried that the dam’s reconstruction would become a political football.

“(Bundaberg Labor MP Tom Smith is) far more likely to be re-elected if he can point to a restored dam, not promises and no action,” he said.

Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the size of the rebuild meant it would take time.

“This project is a huge undertaking, comparable to other major infrastructure projects like building new highways and hospitals,” he said.

“It is important that we get this right for the long-term safety and water security of the community.

“Just like any other major infrastructure project, these works will take time.

“Dams are not built according to election cycles.”

Mr Butcher said detailed designs and early contractor engagement was already under way.

“Rest assured, this process will move as quickly as is possible,” he said.

The cost of the rebuild is yet to be determined, but Mr Butcher last month said it would be met by the state and federal governments.

Welcome Creek macadamia grower Geoff Chivers said the dam had a history of being used as a political plaything, recalling the drawnout battle to get Paradise Dam built in the first place.

“I worry that this region cannot afford another long, drawn-out delay in relation to Paradise Dam,” he said.

“If the government is keen and wants to restore confidence in this region, they should commence work on restoring the dam wall in 2022.”