Paradise Dam beyond repair as Bundaberg faces long rebuild

Bundaberg farmers face prolonged uncertainty after Paradise Dam was ruled beyond repair and will be completely rebuilt—a process expected to take 10 to 15 years.

The decision, announced this week by operator Sunwater, ends months of restoration efforts on the $1.2 billion facility. An engineering assessment found the concrete too compromised to meet safety standards, making demolition and reconstruction the only viable path forward.

The dam has been the agriculture hub's primary water source since its 2005 completion on the Burnett River north of Brisbane. For a community already operating under water restrictions since 2020, the rebuild timeline represents a significant blow to farming and the local business economy that depends on it.

"This region is an agro-based economy, which means that anytime our agriculture hurts, it flows all the way through our business supply chain," said Tim Sayre, chair of the Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce. "We had hoped to be talking about seeing it rebuilt. We're now looking out to at least 10, maybe 15 years before we see anything happen."

The dam's deterioration accelerated following Cyclone Oswald in 2013, which damaged the wall so severely that authorities lowered the water level by 5.8 metres to prevent potential collapse. Restoration attempts began last year, backed by $600 million in commitments from both state and federal governments. But Sunwater's detailed engineering review concluded the concrete degradation was too extensive to repair.

"The concrete quality of the dam means it cannot be repaired to last the many decades we expect from these assets," said Sunwater chief Glenn Stockton. He noted that current operations remain safe at the dam's reduced level, which now sits at 98.98 per cent of its diminished capacity.

The rebuilt dam will meet modern safety standards and be designed to serve the region for at least a century. However, before construction can commence, the government must complete a business case and secure new environmental approvals—steps that will likely consume several more years.

Water Minister Glenn Butcher pledged to restore full supply to the region, though he acknowledged an extended timeline. The government has instructed Sunwater to explore expanding the irrigation network of the Bundaberg Water Supply Scheme, potentially easing pressure during the rebuild period.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli visited Bundaberg to criticise the decision. "Dams last generations," he said. "This one has been poorly constructed, poorly maintained, and now the future of a bright region takes a step backwards."

One factor offering some relief: water currently held behind the existing dam wall will be preserved during reconstruction, providing continuity of supply to local farmers as planning proceeds.