Industry seeks public guarantee on Paradise Dam rebuild

During discussions with Water Minister Ann Leahy this morning, CANEGROWERS and other agricultural industry groups were told the Queensland Government remained committed to rebuilding the dam and restoring its full capacity.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said the government should now make that position clear publicly to draw a line under growing speculation and uncertainty in the Bundaberg regional area.

"There is clearly a lot of concern and uncertainty in the community following recent reports questioning the future of Paradise Dam," Mr Galligan said.

"We put that issue directly to Minister Leahy this morning and she reaffirmed the government's commitment to rebuilding the dam.

"We welcome that reassurance and now ask the government to make that position publicly and unequivocally clear, so the region can move beyond speculation and focus on securing long-term water certainty for agriculture, regional jobs and future investment."

Prior to the 2024 election, the Liberal National Party publicly committed to rebuilding Paradise Dam - a position Minister Leahy again reaffirmed following revelations of major cost increases in late 2024.

In an August 2025 statement announcing the fast-tracking of the infrastructure project, Minister Leahy once again affirmed the government's commitment, saying:

"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."