The Queensland Government’s Paradise Dam restoration program is moving forward with enabling works set to begin soon, including work on the dam’s outlet valves.
The works are critical to ensure the dam can be safely operated during the project. The program is expected to create over 250 construction jobs throughout its lifespan and provide long-term economic benefits to Queensland.
Sunwater, the state-owned water corporation, is currently engaged in procurement, design, planning, quarry investigations, and concrete mix design trials to prepare for the project and is expecting to start work on the dam’s outlet in April 2023.
Queensland Water Minister, Glenn Butcher, said enabling works at the dam would start soon, while a range of procurement, design and planning activities were already well underway.
“It is great to see progress on this critical project that will return the dam to its full 300 gigalitre capacity as part of safety improvement works,” Mr Butcher said.
“A rebuilt Paradise Dam will provide future certainty for local growers, as well as ensuring a safe and secure water supply across the region for generations.”
Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith, said the region is one of Australia’s most important food bowls and we know that a reliable water supply is a key ingredient for continued growth and prosperity.
Additionally, quarry investigations and concrete mix design trials are underway. This is a critical step in project planning to ensure the dam can provide water security into the future.
Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton, said the project’s dedicated team is working across multiple fronts to prepare for works at Paradise Dam.
“As we will be undertaking work on an operational dam that sits in a dynamic river system, there are a number of things we must consider to ensure a safe working environment,” Mr Stockton said.
“The upcoming outlet works will require water releases to lower the dam’s storage level.
“Since mid-2022, we have advised customers that releases would be needed at certain times so we can safely complete work to restore and strengthen Paradise Dam.”
