SunWater has chosen CPB Contractors and Georgiou as major construction partners for the Paradise Dam wall replacement project. The project is a significant infrastructure upgrade that will enhance long-term water security and storage solutions for the region.
It is understood that an early involvement contractor (ECI) framework underpins the project, with SunWater forming an alliance to oversee the construction of the new dam wall. While the CPB Contractors-Georgiou JV will serve as the construction partner, GHD has been appointed as the ongoing design partner.
Sunwater and The Paradise Dam
Sunwater
SunWater is a government-owned corporation in Queensland, Australia, dedicated to planning, developing, and managing water resources and infrastructure. Established in 2000, SunWater plays a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for various sectors, including agriculture, urban water supply, and industrial applications.
The organization oversees an extensive network of dams, weirs, and channels, contributing significantly to water security and resource management in the region.
The Paradise Dam
Paradise Dam is a major dam located in Queensland, Australia. It is situated on the Burnett River, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of the town of Biggenden. The dam was constructed to provide water for agricultural irrigation, industrial use, and urban water supply in the region.
Paradise Dam plays a significant role in water resource management, supporting the agricultural activities in the Burnett region. The dam has a storage capacity that allows for a reliable supply of water to help sustain crops and contribute to the local economy.
Recently, Paradise Dam has been a subject of attention and discussion due to issues related to its stability. Concerns about the dam’s structural integrity led to a decision to lower its water levels, and there have been ongoing assessments and discussions about potential remediation work.
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Paradise Dam Wall Replacement Project
In January 2024, the Queensland Government announced that Sunwater would initiate planning (see video below) for a new wall for Paradise Dam on the Burnett River. The objective is to ensure a safe and reliable future water supply for the Bundaberg region.
This decision follows the identification of three unexpected issues related to the long-term strength and quality of Paradise Dam’s concrete, stemming from its original construction:
- Swelling clay: The concrete’s porous nature, low cement content, and high clay content lead to repeated swelling and contracting when moisture is present in the wall.
- Cement leaching: The porous concrete causes essential ingredients that bond the cement to leach out, resulting in deterioration and loss of strength over time.
- Carbonation: The combination of carbon dioxide, moisture, and cement results in low pH (increased acidity), intensifying the adverse effects of swelling clay and further reducing the concrete’s strength.
These issues are attributed to a suboptimal concrete mix used in the dam’s original construction, which was completed in 2005 by the Burnett Water Alliance. This mix combined a significant amount of clay with a relatively small cement content.
Paradise Dam Wall Replacement Project
Construction Partner / ECI Framework
The new dam wall structure will be located immediately downstream of Paradise Dam, aiming to ensure a secure and reliable water supply for the Bundaberg region for future generations.
Sunwater has established an alliance to manage the project efficiently, appointing CPB Contractors and Georgiou as construction partners and GHD as the ongoing design partner to support the project development.
In the construction partner / early contractor involvement framework, the contractor (e.g. CPB-Georgiou JV) becomes an integral part of the project team from the project’s inception, working alongside the client, engineers, designers, and other relevant stakeholders to address construction challenges early in the process.
Suggested Reading: What is an ECI Contract? (And How It Works)
Paradise Dam Wall Replacement Project - Scope of Works
The construction of the new dam wall will likely involve partial demolition of the original structure to prevent any impact on the operation of the new dam wall. There is also consideration of using the existing dam as a coffer dam, creating a dry and safe working environment while constructing the new structure.
The specific scope of the project will be confirmed as part of the detailed and business cases to be developed by the alliance (Sunwater, GHD, CPB-Georgiou JV).
Various activities and enabling works, already planned as part of the improvement project, will proceed independently, such as road upgrades, geological and quarry investigations, environmental approvals, the development of a workers’ accommodation village, and activities related to native title and cultural heritage.
The coordinated efforts aim to ensure the successful execution of the project and the enhancement of the water infrastructure in the Bundaberg region.
