Project overview

Sunwater is progressing a detailed business case to build a replacement dam wall immediately downstream from the existing Paradise Dam. It follows expert recommendations that the existing structure is compromised and cannot be repaired or reinforced.

Sunwater is committed to the timely delivery of a new wall that will restore the dam’s full water supply and meet stringent safety criteria to reliably service the Bundaberg region for the next 100 years.

Building a new dam wall is a complex, multi-year project that involves considerable planning, investigations, engineering, approvals, environmental assessments, design specifications and construction processes.

It is critical that this job is done safely and to a standard that will provide certainty for years to come, supporting the region’s economy and one of Australia’s most important food bowls.

Paradise Alliance has been formed by Sunwater to deliver the project, appointing GHD as the ongoing design partner, and CPB Contractors/Georgiou Group as the construction partner. This ensures that challenges are considered and addressed early to prevent potential delays and increased costs.

While the detailed business case is being developed to secure necessary approvals, previously planned work is continuing for design and procurement, road upgrades, geotechnical and quarry investigations, environmental approvals and planning for the construction of a workers’ accommodation village.

Importantly, the work conducted as part of the original improvement project has not been wasted, with findings from the previous business case helping inform the design and construction approach for the new dam wall.

Costs and delivery timeframes for the new dam wall will be confirmed as part of the detailed business case process. The detailed business case is expected to be complete by early 2026 for government decision.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government. Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund.