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 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.

Date	Activity
Currently	Draft EIS being prepared by proponent.
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.