The Federal Government is set to deliver up to $600 million in funding to restore Paradise Dam in Central Queensland to its full capacity, in a bid to secure the region’s water security.
Paradise Dam is approximately 20km north-west of Biggenden and 80km south-west of Bundaberg on the Burnett River. It is a key component of the Bundaberg Water Supply Scheme.
Following the 2011 and 2013 floods, the Paradise Dam was damaged. Since then, water service providers Sunwater have been working to repair and improve the dam. A diminished water supply has hurt local producers the most, resulting in job losses and reduced investment in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said that returning the dam to its full 300,000-megalitre capacity would give farmers, businesses and households confidence they will have access to the water they need in the decades ahead.
“Our investment will help provide the water security the region needs while supporting 250 construction jobs and unlocking new and expanded opportunities for farmers and businesses,” Joyce said.
In December 2021, the Queensland Government announced the preferred option for the long-term future of Paradise Dam is to return the dam to its original full supply level, as part of significant safety improvement works.
This decision was made following the completion of an Options Evaluation Report, which determined appropriate action to secure the water supply. This report was completed in October 2021.
The Federal Government will establish a project team to work with the Queensland Government to ensure the rebuild progresses without further delay and Paradise Dam is built back better and to modern standards.
Early works for the rebuild will commence in 2023.
For more information on the works, click here.
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