Paradise Dam

Paradise Dam is a key part of the Bundaberg water supply scheme. The dam was damaged during the 2011 and 2013 floods. Structural issues identified since need to be addressed to ensure long-term safety and water security.

Project benefits

The project aims to:

  • ensure a safe and secure water supply for the Bundaberg region.
  • deliver a replacement dam wall that meets long-term safety standards.
  • support the local economy and agriculture with reliable water availability.
  • engage the community in decision-making about water security and safety.

Location

Paradise Dam is on the Burnett River in the Wide Bay–Burnett region, about 20 kilometres north-west of Biggenden and 80 kilometres south-west of Bundaberg.

Status

In 2020 and early 2021, Sunwater lowered the dam and carried out essential works to improve downstream safety. While the dam is now safer, it does not meet long-term acceptable risk levels.

Sunwater’s investigations during 2023 found that repairing the existing structure is not feasible due to concrete quality and strength issues.

The Queensland Government has accepted Sunwater’s recommendation to build a new dam wall downstream of the current structure.

Sunwater is progressing a detailed business case for a replacement wall, including design work, costings and timeframes.

Timeline

  • February 2020 – Options assessment completed by Building Queensland
  • April 2020 – Paradise Dam Commission of Inquiry report delivered
  • May 2020 – Queensland Government released Commission report and response
  • 2020–2021 – Dam lowered, and essential works completed
  • 2021 – Government decision to restore the dam to original height
  • Early 2024 – Sunwater commenced investigations into a replacement dam after the existing Paradise Dam was found to be structurally unsound and cannot be repaired
  • 2024 onwards – Detailed business case and design work for new dam wall underway
  • August 2025 – Paradise Dam was declared a coordinated project to support a whole-of government approach for the assessment of project impacts on the environment, community and economy

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