- Critical enabling works for the new Paradise Dam wall project are supporting 14 local jobs
- 10 kilometres of Paradise Dam Road to be upgraded, improving access and community safety
- Planning for the new dam wall is well underway
Sunwater is progressing vital enabling works around Paradise Dam, following the recent announcement that the Queensland Government will build a new wall immediately downstream of the existing wall.
Upgrades to approximately 10 kilometres of Paradise Dam Road have commenced, to improve safety and enhance traffic movement around the dam.
Road improvements are important enabling works to support the new Paradise Dam project. This upgrade to Paradise Dam Road is the first of three road upgrades necessary to support the project.
Constructing the new dam is a complex, multi-year project and will require significant heavy vehicle use to transport construction materials and equipment.
Sunwater has engaged contractor CMC Group to undertake the first upgrade that will run from the dam towards the intersection of Paradise Dam and Booyal-Dallarnil roads.
14 local workers will help to deliver the initial road upgrade, which includes pavement realignment, bitumen surfacing, widening of vertical crests, drainage enhancements, line marking and signage. More jobs are expected on site as works progress.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2024, weather permitting.
Design work is underway for two further upgrades that involve replacing a low-level crossing with a bridge at Degilbo Creek, improving its resilience to flood events, and upgrading sections of Booyal-Dallarnil Road, including the intersections with the Bruce Highway and with Paradise Dam Road.
Planning and design work for the new dam wall is well underway following the appointment of CPB Contractors / Georgiou as construction partner and GHD as the ongoing design partner for the project alliance.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:
"These road upgrades are important enabling works as part of our commitment to build a new wall for Paradise Dam. Early works like road upgrades are vital to ensuring we are in the best position to start construction and safely transport the right materials and equipment to site.
"Delivering water security and a safe dam for the people of the Bundaberg and Burnett regions is a priority - and we need to make sure we get it right.
"We are getting on with the job of planning for a new wall at Paradise Dam."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith:
"It is important that the Bundaberg community is seeing the Government's commitment to progressing the works on Paradise Dam.
"Ensuring the employment of 14 residents from the region demonstrates our focus to deliver the best outcomes for Bundaberg.
"In addition to these local workers, eight locals from Harrison Infrastructure Group also worked on the road network planning at the site, further highlighting the significance of local investment.
"While the Miles Government is getting on with the job, it is disappointing that the LNP have not given their support to restoring Paradise Dam; instead having put Paradise Dam and our farmers on the Cuts List."
Quotes attributable to Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton:
"These road works are an essential part of preparing for construction at the dam as they will allow us to safely transport large volumes of heavy materials and equipment to site.
"They will also provide long-term improvements for local road users and visitors to the dam.
"We will continue to work with the local community on this crucial project and will provide information about future work opportunities as they are available."
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