Burdekin Falls Dam Raising project

Project overview*

EIS statusEIS active
Description Proposal to increase the storage capacity of the existing Burdekin Falls Dam by raising the dam by at least 2 metres (m) and possibly up to 6 m.
Proponent Sunwater Limited
Location/s The project is located on the Burdekin River approximately 160 kilometres upstream from the river’s mouth and approximately 210 kilometres south of Townsville. Map
Local government/s
  • Charters Towers Regional Council
  • Whitsunday Regional Council
Investment Estimated between $358 million and $665 million, depending on the final height of the dam raising
Key features
  • raising the dam spillway by at least 2 m and possibly up to 6 m
  • raising the associated abutments and saddle dams
  • adjustments to apron and splitter piers
  • access road realignments and upgrades.
Construction start date 2025
Jobs
  • 150 full time equivalent (construction)

* Project information supplied by proponent and subject to change.

Environmental impact statement (EIS) process

DateActivity
Currently Draft EIS being prepared by proponent.
1 April 2021 Terms of reference for an EIS (PDF icon 885 KB) released.
30 November 2020 to 29 January 2021 Draft terms of reference for EIS public consultation (PDF icon 765 KB).
28 August 2020 Commonwealth Minister for the Environment decided that the project is a ‘controlled action'.
29 July 2020 Gazettal (PDF icon 247 KB) of ‘Coordinated project’ declaration.
11 June 2020 Application, including initial advice statement (PDF icon 8.9 MB), submitted.

Further information

Read more about the EIS process.

Last updated: Thursday, Apr 1, 2021