Storage upgrade strengthens Bundaberg water security

Local Bundaberg businesses have played an integral role refurbishing a key water storage on the Burnet
River.

Sunwater has completed an upgrade of Ben Anderson Barrage to ensure its ongoing safe and reliable
operation, months ahead of schedule.

The project involved replacing 110 shutters and other ageing metal components in the 52-year-old structure
that holds 30,300 megalitres at full supply.

The work, which was undertaken following the March 2026 flood event, required Sunwater to lower water
levels while minimising impacts on customers and water supply operations.

The project supported 20 local jobs over the last few months, with BME Australia the principal contractor to
deliver this significant package of work.

Sub-contractors involved were Baldwins Contracting for civil earthworks, Dlonra Safety Consultancy, Corrosion
Control Engineering, Wide Bay Cranes for cranage and Satintouch for blast and paint of steel components.

The barrage, which is located on the river at Branyan, stores water for urban use in Bundaberg and is an
important asset for the local irrigation network, supplying water to 570 customers.

Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said it was great to see the Bundaberg workforce involved in a project that
benefits their region.

“Our workers upgraded an important asset that supports their town, local farmers and the community at
large,” he said.

“We’re making sure our infrastructure is safe and resilient to extreme weather so it can continue to provide
much-needed water security for many years to come.”

Sunwater General Manager Operations Burnett Lower Mary Darren Large thanked the community for its
patience and support as the project had some operational and access impacts.

“Safety is our priority at Sunwater, so it was essential we delivered this project in a planned way that reduced
impact on the community and water supply,” he said.

“The reduced water levels following the March flood event provided an opportunity to bring the work forward
by three months, allowing us to complete the upgrades without needing to draw down more water or further
impacting the water supply.

“Sunwater adopted an innovative approach of using water-filled barriers, which meant the water level did not
have to be reduced as much.”

About Ben Anderson Barrage

• Final water storage on the Burnett River downstream of Paradise Dam.
• The barrage is the barrier between river fresh water and salt water.
• Stores water for the Bundaberg Water Supply Scheme.
• It has a fixed concrete crest and 110 vertical steel shutters.
• The shutters are designed to fall during certain inflows, which helps to protect the riverbank from
  damage.
• Shutters normally return to vertical position when flows recede.