Queensland’s Coordinator-General has declared the Paradise Dam restoration a coordinated project, a step the state government says will streamline approvals and consultation for the development.
The project aims to secure long-term water supply for the Bundaberg region and support agricultural and economic growth.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the government was committed to delivering water security and jobs in regional Queensland. “The Crisafulli Government is continuing to mop up Labor’s monumental mess on Paradise Dam, which has faced major cost blow outs due to project mismanagement,” Bleijie said. “We are delivering on our election commitment to restore Paradise Dam which will support jobs and safeguard Bundaberg’s $2 billion agricultural industry.
“By restoring Paradise Dam we’re not just building infrastructure – we’re building job creating economic growth for generations to come.
“With early works already underway and now with the coordinated project declaration, the LNP have done more in 10 months to fix Paradise Dam, than Labor did in a decade.
“The declaration by the Coordinator-General will streamline the project, enabling Sunwater to progress critical works faster. It will ensure the community and stakeholders have an opportunity to participate in public notification processes and have their say.”
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said the project would provide certainty for growers and businesses. “The Crisafulli Government’s commitment to rebuilding Paradise Dam will ensure communities, growers and industries have the reliable water supply they need to grow Queensland’s economy,” Leahy said. “We are building the long-term infrastructure that gives rural and regional communities the confidence to grow.”
Member for Callide Bryson Head said water security was a priority for the region: “Water security is a priority for Callide and this declaration delivers on the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to fix Labor’s failures.”
Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said his office would continue working with Sunwater to progress the project.
“The decision by Sunwater to partner with the OCG to streamline delivery of the new Paradise Dam Project, and their broader infrastructure pipeline, is a great outcome,” Coggan said. “OCG is working closely with the proponent, communities of North Burnett and Bundaberg councils and stakeholders to facilitate projects and foster strong partnerships between government agencies, stakeholders, and the community through the approvals process.”
Further updates, including timelines and consultation opportunities, will be provided on the Office of the Coordinator-General’s website.
