The chair of Sunwater, the Queensland government-owned corporation that operates the state's largest regional water supply network, has formally advised the Crisafulli government to abandon plans to rebuild the troubled Paradise Dam. In a letter addressed to Water Minister Ann Leahy and seen by the ABC, Sunwater chair Jim Carden recommended against proceeding with the project, citing significant cost increases and unresolved engineering challenges.
Paradise Dam, located on the Burnett River near Biggenden, has been a source of controversy since structural issues were discovered in 2019, leading to a reduction in its storage capacity. The original rebuild plan, estimated at over $1 billion, has faced repeated delays and budget overruns. The letter, dated May 2026, argues that alternative water security measures may be more cost-effective and less risky.
The Queensland government has not yet publicly responded to Sunwater's recommendation. The ABC reported that the letter was sent in early May 2026, and a government spokesperson said the matter is under review. The decision has implications for local agriculture and communities reliant on the dam's water supply.
