MY ACCOUNT
STORAGE LEVELS
WATER DATA
ANNOUNCED ALLOCATIONS
- Work completed on new bridge to enhance flood resilience
- Intersection upgrades, road realignments and crest works also finalised
- Enabling work for the new Paradise Dam wall is continuing
- Coordinated project will enhance water security in the Bundaberg region
Crucial road improvements for the Paradise Dam project are now complete following construction of a new bridge to improve flood resilience.
The $11 million upgrade was the final of three road packages to be delivered to improve safety and cater for increased traffic movements to and from the dam during construction of the new wall.
Sunwater worked with designers Harrison Infrastructure Group (HIG) and construction firm Hazell Brothers to construct a new bridge at Degilbo Creek, located 7 kilometres from Paradise Dam.
The new 57-meter-long dual lane bridge was built four metres higher than the previous causeway crossing to significantly improve its flood immunity, reduce road closures and minimise project delays.
It also includes a new bridge approach road and reconfiguration of the Coringa Road and Paradise Dam Road intersection.
The work supported up to 50 jobs, including contractors and suppliers from the region.
Other roadworks delivered as part of the dam project include upgrades to intersections, including major junctions at Booyal-Dallarnil Road and the Bruce Highway, and Booyal-Dallarnil Road and Paradise Dam Road, also delivered by Hazell Brothers.
Improvements at 27 locations across a 10-kilometre section of Paradise Dam Road were also completed.
Designed by HIG and delivered by Civil Mining and Construction, these included road realignments, grade improvement and widening of crests, drainage works, bitumen re-surfacing, line marking and signage.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said the project was already delivering lasting impacts for locals.
“It’s clear the Paradise Dam project brings significant benefits to the region, and the local workforce is already benefiting through the completion of this important road package,” he said.
“This work ensures local roads can support the safety of vehicles and workers travelling to the dam site.
“The improved intersections will not only allow for long and heavy vehicle haulage during construction but leave a positive legacy for locals for years to come.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said the roadworks were essential for the effective delivery of the new Paradise Dam wall.
“This is a complex, multi-year project and construction will require significant heavy vehicle use to transport equipment and materials and equipment to and from the dam,” he said.
“While the dam will ensure long-term water security for the Bundaberg region, the road improvements will provide better and safer access throughout construction of the project and for the local community into the future.”
Callide MP Bryson Head said the Paradise Dam project would deliver significant financial benefit to the region through local jobs, funds spent on suppliers and future water availability.
“This is a critical project for the region as it will safeguard the region’s water security and support the $2 billion agricultural industry that underpins the economy,” he said.
“The current enabling works are supporting 120 jobs, including suppliers and workers from the Bundaberg and Burnett region, and this number will increase significantly as early works on-site ramp up.”
North Burnett Mayor Les Hotz said the bridge at Degilbo Creek would improve safety and access for the local community.
“The new structure will be less likely to be inundated by flooding during the wet season, allowing local residents better access to their homes and reducing the need to take longer, alternative routes,” he said.
“It’s great to see the Paradise Dam project is providing lasting benefits to the community beyond securing our future water supply.”
Sunwater Chief Development Officer Mal Shepherd thanked the community for its patience and understanding while the upgrade works were undertaken.
“This work will provide long-term improvements that will support the community’s safety as they travel to where they live and work,” he said.
“While the dam will ensure long-term water security for the Bundaberg region, the road improvements will provide better and safer access throughout construction of the project and for the local community into the future.”
Other activities underway for the Paradise Dam Improvement Project include geotechnical investigations to confirm the foundation conditions for the new structure, quarry investigations and concrete mix trials.
In June 2025, the Queensland Government approved an early works designation, which allows Sunwater to progress to the next phase of pre-construction activities.
The following month, construction of the new dam wall was declared a coordinated project, which will ensure a streamlined approval and consultation process.
The detailed business case is expected to be delivered to the Queensland Government in early 2026. The detailed business case and pre-construction activities are funded by the Australian and Queensland governments and delivered in partnership with Sunwater.