Burdekin Falls Dam Raising project

Project overview*

EIS status	EIS active
Description	Proposal to increase the storage capacity of the existing Burdekin Falls Dam by raising the dam by two metres.
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	Initial investment (2018) of up to $502 million. In the 2023−24 Queensland Budget, as part of reinvesting in the regions, $440 million has been allocated to contribute to the cost of improving and raising Burdekin Falls Dam by two metres. This is in addition to the Queensland Government’s existing $100 million project commitment. Planning and preconstruction activities will continue during 2023−24, while the Environmental Impact Statement process is underway, which will assist in determining a final cost estimate.
Key features	raising the dam spillway by two metres raising the associated abutments and saddle dams adjustments to apron and splitter piers access road realignments and upgrades.
Construction start date	2025 (subject to approvals, final design and an investment decision by the Queensland Government).
Jobs	150 full time equivalent (construction).

* Project information supplied by proponent and subject to change.

Date	Activity
Currently	Draft EIS being prepared by proponent.
12 September 2023	Coordinator-General stated a new project declaration lapse date of 7 April 2025.
12 December 2022	Proponent confirmed a refined scope of works, raising to two metres.
23 August 2022	Coordinator-General stated a new project declaration lapse date of 3 October 2023.
1 April 2021	Terms of reference for an EIS ( 885 KB) released.
30 November 2020 to 29 January 2021	Draft terms of reference for EIS public consultation ( 765 KB).
28 August 2020	Commonwealth Minister for the Environment decided that the project is a ‘controlled action'.
29 July 2020	Gazettal ( 247 KB) of ‘Coordinated project’ declaration.
11 June 2020	Application, including initial advice statement ( 8.9 MB), submitted.