State Government Commits $60 Million to Full Paradise Dam Rebuild, Rejects Alternatives

The Queensland government has affirmed its commitment to a complete rebuild of the Paradise Dam wall at its existing site on the Burnett River, near Bundaberg. Premier David Crisafulli announced a $60 million allocation in this year's state budget to advance the project, primarily targeting crucial geotechnical works, unequivocally dismissing earlier proposals for a smaller or entirely new downstream structure.

Addressing the ongoing saga, Premier Crisafulli expressed strong opposition to what he called the 'nonsensical argument' for an 'inferior, smaller wall downstream.' He asserted, 'That's not what we promised,' signalling a firm stance against alternatives that have caused considerable uncertainty for the Wide Bay region.

Paradise Dam has been a source of significant concern for years. Safety issues regarding the crumbling wall first emerged in 2019, leading to a drastic reduction in the wall's height by 5.8 metres in 2020. This followed a joint state and federal government commitment of $1.2 billion towards its rebuilding.

However, the project's future became clouded in early 2024 when the dam's operator, Sunwater, suggested the existing structure had too many unresolvable issues and proposed a new wall downstream. This alternative came with an estimated price tag of at least $4.4 billion. Further complicating matters, a letter from Sunwater chairman Jeff Seeney, leaked in May, reportedly recommended scrapping the new build plan entirely. The letter described the project as 'grossly disproportionate' and criticised the previous government's 'pre-emptive announcement' to rebuild, stating it lacked essential 'technical and financial information' and 'any rigour or professional credibility.'

Despite these past recommendations and controversies, Premier Crisafulli maintains the government's position for a full rebuild. He noted that Sunwater's detailed business case is still pending but will outline the specifics of the reconstruction. 'With that will be the confidence that it's going to be here for the long term, not some sort of short-term patch-up job and not some sort of inferior, smaller product downstream,' he stated. 'This is going to be a rebuild and with that will come generational security for people to be able and have the confidence to invest in the region.'

The announcement has been met with relief by the local agricultural sector, which heavily relies on the dam for irrigation. Dale Hollis, spokesperson for the Bundaberg Regional Irrigators Group, highlighted the critical importance of water security, noting that approximately $2.5 billion of the region's $10 billion annual economy stems from intensive irrigated agriculture and related businesses. 'We're very pleased that both the minister and premier stood by the rebuild of the dam,' Mr Hollis said.

Sugarcane grower and irrigator Judy Plath echoed the sentiment of reassurance but expressed a desire for more concrete details and swift action. 'This region will be waiting eagerly for some kind of document to specify what a rebuild means,' Ms Plath commented. She urged the government to apply the same speed and efficiency seen in other major state projects, such as the Olympics infrastructure. Ms Plath voiced significant concern over potential delays in the review period for the dam's reconstruction, especially with predictions of an impending El Niño and dry years ahead. 'Any kind of delays on the rebuild of Paradise Dam are going to put this district under significant pressure,' she warned, reminding stakeholders that the current dam operates at only half its original capacity.

As the region braces for future weather challenges, the commitment to rebuild Paradise Dam offers a renewed sense of hope, though the community remains eager for the detailed plans that will define the project's next steps and timeline.