A local company has been awarded the contract for early works around Paradise Dam, to get important roads and access points ready ahead of construction.
Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said the contracting company Harrison Infrastructure Group, which has an office in Bundaberg, would 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.
“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.”
Harrison Infrastructure Group Bundaberg Office Manager Chris Curd said it was great to be part of such an important project for the Bundaberg community.
“We know how critical water is to productivity and growth, so we are delighted to assist an initiative that will support agricultural and industrial development in the region,” he said.
Bundaberg MP Tom Smith congratulated Harrison Infrastructure Group on being awarded the important Paradise Dam 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,” he said.
“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.”
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,” he said.
“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.”
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.
