The Paradise Dam rebuild is forging ahead, with a key contract being awarded for works around the site, to get important roads and access points ready ahead of construction.
Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said local contracting company Harrison Infrastructure Group (HIG) will spearhead an extensive investigation of the road network leading to the dam.
“This is an important early milestone for a long-term project that will deliver water security and safety for the Bundaberg region,” he said.
“Our government’s investment includes $30.1 million for the next 12 months, as part of the broader $1.2 billion investment in this project.
“With a project as significant in size as this rebuild, we need to focus on not only building the dam back stronger and safer but also ensuring the early works – particularly the road network being made safer – meet the needs of the project and the community over the long term.
“We are getting on with the job of restoring Paradise Dam and local workers from the region are going to play a crucial role, with up to eight regional jobs being supported by this contract alone.
“The major project to rebuild and strengthen Paradise Dam will create approximately 250 jobs during construction and deliver significant flow-on benefits for local businesses and contractors, like Harrison,” Mr Butcher said.
Bundaberg MP Tom Smith congratulated Harrison Infrastructure Group on being awarded the important contract.
“The Paradise Dam Improvement Project will require significant heavy vehicle movements as quarry materials and equipment are moved to the work site and it’s great to see local businesses benefiting already for this project.
“These early works are vital to ensure the construction program is safe and has the right materials on site and ready for when construction begins.
“As we’ve said before, this project is huge – restoring Paradise Dam to its original height will use almost as much concrete as when the dam was originally built.
“This is going to be a big job and the Palaszczuk Government is taking all the necessary steps to make sure it’s done right,” Mr Smith said.
As part of the $2.6 million contract with Sunwater, HIG will examine haulage and construction transport needs to determine what road upgrades are necessary.
Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said Sunwater and HIG are engaging with North Burnett and Bundaberg regional councils and the Department of Transport and Main Roads and will contact local property owners as planning for this important work gets underway.
“Moving forward, the project team is focused on progressing design and planning approvals and planning to engage with industry to secure a construction partner.
“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,” he said.
Sunwater is completing engineering design and detailed work, supported by geotechnical activities.
Early works to commence this financial year include planning, design and upgrades of existing roads, investigations into suitable aggregate and other construction materials and planning the mobilisation and establishment at the construction site.
Enabling works for the project are expected to start in 2023, including local road upgrades, with major works at the dam expected to commence in 2024.
