- Queensland's Coordinator-General declares Paradise Dam a Coordinated Project.
- The project will restore Paradise Dam to ensure a secure water supply for the Bundaberg region, after a $3.2 billion blowout under Labor.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to fast-track infrastructure projects that boost drought resilience, jobs and growth in regional Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is fast-tracking a critical infrastructure project to restore Paradise Dam with the project set to secure Bundaberg's water future after today's coordinated project declaration.
This declaration by Queensland's Coordinator-General ensures a streamlined approval and consultation process, as the Crisafulli Government aims to deliver water security, flood resilience and economic growth for the Bundaberg region.
The Crisafulli Government is saving the Paradise Dam after Labor's failure to fix it, with the former Labor government overseeing massive project blowouts that saw the cost escalate to $4.4 billion, up $3.2 billion.
Restoring Paradise Dam is essential to safeguard water security for Bundaberg, bolster Bundaberg's $2 billion agricultural and food manufacturing industry, and create hundreds of jobs during construction.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Government was committed to meeting the needs of regional Queenslanders.
"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," the Deputy Premier 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 Crisafulli Government would secure the region's water future after years of uncertainty caused by Labor.
"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," Minister 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 the declaration of a coordinated project at Paradise Dam is critical to safe and reliable water supply.
"Water security is a priority for Callide and this declaration delivers on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to fix Labor's failures," Mr Head said.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said Paradise Dam is a priority for the Crisafulli Government.
"The former Labor Government neglected Paradise Dam which jeopardised critical water supply in the region," Mr Bennett said.
Queensland's Coordinator-General, Gerard Coggan, said his office continued to work closely with Sunwater to progress this 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," Mr 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 made available on the Office of the Coordinator-General's website: www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general
