The Paradise Dam Improvement Project is forging ahead, with a key contract being awarded for works around the site.
Queensland contracting company Harrison Infrastructure Group (HIG) will spearhead an extensive investigation of the road network leading into the dam ahead of construction.
Glenn Butcher, Minister for Water, said the contract was an important milestone for $1.2 billion project.
“With a project as significant in size as this rebuild, we need to focus on not only building the dam back stronger and safer but also ensuring the early works – particularly the road network being made safer – meet the needs of the project and the community over the long term,” he said.
“The major project to rebuild and strengthen Paradise Dam will create approximately 250 jobs during construction and deliver significant flow-on benefits for local businesses and contractors like Harrison.”
Tom Smith, Member for Bundaberg, congratulated HIG on being awarded the important contract.
“These early works are vital to ensure the construction program is safe and has the right materials on site and ready for when construction begins,” he said.
“As we’ve said before, this project is huge – restoring Paradise Dam to its original height will use almost as much concrete as when the dam was originally built.”
As part of the $2.6 million contract with Sunwater, HIG will examine haulage and construction transport needs to determine what road upgrades are necessary.
Glenn Stockton, Sunwater Chief Executive Officer, said Sunwater and HIG are engaging with the local community, councils and the Department of Transport and Main Roads as planning gets underway.
“Moving forward, the project team is focused on progressing design and planning approvals and planning to engage with industry to secure a construction partner,” he said.
“We will continue to work with the local community on this crucial project and will provide information about future work opportunities as they are available.”
Early works to commence this financial year include planning, design and upgrades of existing roads, investigations into construction materials and planning the mobilisation and establishment at the construction site.
Major works at the dam are expected to commence in 2024.
For more information, visit: www.sunwater.com.au
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