Government directs Sunwater to start on Paradise Dam rebuild
The Queensland government has ordered rebuilding work to start on the beleaguered Paradise Dam, despite the project's business case not yet being completed.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleije said work could start immediately after a regulation directing dam operator Sunwater to commence early investigations and preliminary works was signed off by the Queensland governor on Thursday.
Enabling works originally designed during the now scrapped plan to raise the existing wall were already underway, including road upgrades, geotechnical investigations and concept design.
The next phase of the works will include a geotechnical investigation of the site, followed by the construction of temporary accommodation, two concrete batching plants and a laydown area for stockpiling.
Mr Bleije said progress on the project was needed to provide certainty to farmers in the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions.
"This is about ensuring water supply and security for our agricultural sector going forward," he said.
A world-first testing program in 2023 revealed degradation of the concrete had compromised the wall to the point Sunwater determined no amount of improvement work could fix it.
Mr Bleije said he expected a business case from Sunwater setting out the full cost and timeline for the rebuild project to be delivered by early 2026.
Funds for the project, which is expected to cost at least $4.4 billion, will be allocated in the state government budget being prepared.
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association chairman Craig Van Rooyen said the commencement of the rebuild provides security for growers in the region.
But he urged the government and Sunwater to quickly make tangible progress with the long-awaited project.
"By this dam being rebuilt there will be confidence for more development," he said.
"We are looking at planting more orchards, but we have put those orchards on hold until we know this dam is going to be rebuilt.
"Now let's see some action."
Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said restoration of the dam had been front of mind for six years.
"I was standing with Stephen Bennett and Craig during 2019 and we were on the steps of the courthouse at Bundaberg to say we did not want the Paradise Dam to be demolished," she said.
"It's important for our entire region for that security of the water … but more so for our economic growth across the region and jobs across the region."
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