Raising of Burdekin Falls Dam to progress through an environmental impact statement

Burdekin Falls Dam could be raised by two metres to meet long-term water demand and improved dam safety requirements, with work progressing on an environmental impact statement (EIS).

The next stage of planning follows the Queensland Government’s initial consideration of Sunwater’s detailed business case, which outlined options to increase the dam’s water supply and long-term viability, alongside required safety improvements.

An independent assessment demonstrated that projected water demand from the dam may exceed current availability by 2031 and that a raising of two metres would address this future need. This also considers growing demand from the emerging hydrogen industry.

Sunwater has begun preparation of the EIS, which will assess the potential environmental, economic and social benefits and impacts of the project.

The proposed works on Burdekin Falls Dam would include raising the spillway and abutments using concrete buttressing, raising and widening the saddle dams, and constructing a new saddle dam on the right bank.

The project will increase the dam’s storage capacity by 574,240 megalitres, boosting capacity to an estimated 2,434,240 megalitres. It would also provide approximately 150,000 megalitres equivalent medium priority water.

Sunwater Chief Executive Officer Glenn Stockton said safety improvement works will ensure the dam continues to pass flood waters safely and complies with modern design standards and guidelines.

“We understand the critical role this dam plays in providing water security for the Burdekin and surrounding regions,” he said.

“The project will ensure the asset remains safe and productive for years to come.”

Pending approval of the EIS and an investment decision, contractor engagement and procurement activities for the dam raising project would commence.

Sunwater expects to submit a draft of the EIS to the Queensland Coordinator-General (CG) in 2023.

Further information regarding the project is included in this government media statement