Dam shame: Leaks in LNPs "watertight" water security plan

“The LNP’s Watertight plan will turn on the tap for water security now and into the future” - that's what Premier David Crisafulli promised before the 2024 election.

It's now been reported that the LNP have turned the tap off on Paradise Dam and the regional Queenslanders relying on water security in the Wide Bay.

The much-anticipated detailed business case is on the go-slow, sitting in the ‘advanced draft stage’ and is not expected to be delivered until mid-2026.

Deputy Labor Leader Cameron Dick joined Bundaberg MP Tom Smith today to demand answers for the growers across the Bundaberg region who were promised Paradise Dam would be rebuilt.

David Crisafulli and Water Minister Ann Leahy must say today if Paradise Dam remains a priority, why the business case has been delayed and what are that delay is costing Queenslanders.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Leader of the Opposition Cameron Dick:

"The future of Paradise Dam is of critical importance to growers in the Bundaberg region and to the broader community.

“When local growers are making decisions around their businesses, and future investment, they need to know in clear and unambiguous terms what is happening with water security.

“When it comes to Paradise Dam, Premier Crisafulli and Water Minister Ann Leahy need to be upfront and honest with the people of the Bundaberg region, and not hide behind SunWater.

“The state government is dragging its feet on the Paradise Dam business case, and it’s just not good enough.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith MP:

“The question is simple - does Paradise Dam remain a priority project for the Crisafulli LNP Government?

“Last week we heard the business case has been delayed and yet there has been no update from the government and no details provided.

"Paradise Dam is critical for our growers; they deserve to hear from the LNP why there is still no business case and how much that delay is costing Queenslanders.

“David Crisafulli is robbing the regions to fill his South East Queensland coffers to the detriment of the hard working growers across the Wide Bay.”

BACKGROUND

In 2024, the former Miles Government secured $1.2billion in joint state and federal funding to rebuild Paradise Dam following the discovery of structural issues with the dam wall following the 2013 floods.

On 11 January 2024, the Queensland Government announced the Paradise Dam wall would require a complete rebuild 70 m downstream. This is because repairing the existing dam wall is not feasible.

The business case was due to be delivered to government in early 2026, however last week a spokesperson for Sunwater revealed that the business case would now be delayed until mid-2026.

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