The Bundaberg Region’s $2 billion agricultural industry received welcome news last week with confirmation the State Government is delivering early works for the Paradise Dam Improvement Project.
The project is critical for the water security of the Wide Bay region and its agricultural industry.
The announcement was made by Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie and Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy, reaffirming a commitment to fast-track infrastructure projects that boost drought resilience, jobs, and regional growth.
The Paradise Dam early works will include construction of a temporary accommodation village, two concrete batch plants, the establishment of support facilities and site preparation.
This will pave the way for major construction work on the new dam wall, ensuring the project stays on track and aligns with the rigorous environmental and community consultation processes facilitated by the Coordinator-General.
Project activities including road upgrades to improve community safety and cater for increased traffic movements to and from the dam and geotechnical and quarry investigations are continuing.
The detailed business case for the Paradise Dam Improvement Project is expected to be delivered to the Queensland Government in early 2026.
The Paradise Dam project seeks to address safety concerns following an independent review, with a clear focus on ensuring the new dam wall’s structural integrity and its capacity to meet the demands of a growing population and changing climate.
Deputy Premier Bleijie said early works for the new dam wall would restore water security for the region.
“[The] announcement is a significant step in the right direction to deliver a new dam wall, which will support jobs, safeguard Bundaberg’s $2 billion agricultural industry, and benefit the community for generations to come,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
Queensland’s Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said approving the early works was crucial to maintaining momentum on the Paradise Dam project.
“By fostering strong partnerships between government agencies, stakeholders, and the community, we are ensuring the Paradise Dam Improvement Project meets the highest standards of safety, environmental responsibility, and community benefit,” Mr Coggan said.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government remained committed to delivering Paradise Dam to lay the foundation for regional growth and opportunity across the Bundaberg and Burnett regions.
“Water is at the heart of every thriving community, and these early works on Paradise Dam will be a vital step in ensuring Bundaberg has the secure and reliable water supply it needs now and into the future,” Minister Leahy said.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn joined the Ministers for the announcement and said seeing boots on the ground for this project would be welcome news for the local community.
“It is critical that we have Paradise Dam restored to its original capacity and Bundaberg Regional Council, alongside the agricultural industry, has advocated strongly for this on behalf of our community,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Water security for our region means jobs, growth and stability for our agricultural sector into the future.”
