Storage improvements

Darwin Region Water Supply Infrastructure Program – Stage 1

Project overview

The project includes:

  • returning the Manton Dam to service
  • preconstruction works for the Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) project.

Existing infrastructure at Manton Dam will be upgraded to return the dam to service. The project will also build the first phase of the Strauss Water Treatment Plan and distribution network.

The project will create an additional 14 gigalitres (GL) of usable water storage capacity. It will also make 7,300 ML per annum available for agricultural and industrial use.

Paradise Dam Improvement Project

Project overview

This project was expected to restore Paradise Dam to its full 300 gigalitre capacity by re-raising, strengthening and stabilising the existing dam wall. Once completed the project was expected to provide a reliable and secure water supply to support local agricultural, industrial and urban demand.

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. 

Big Rocks Weir

Project overview

The Big Rocks Weir project includes the construction of a new 10 gigalitre weir approximately 26 km north of Charters Towers in northern Queensland.

This additional water will support the development of up to 5,000 hectares of land for high-value agricultural purposes and will support improved agricultural output in the region. It will deliver water security to create opportunities to transition to high-value perennial crops such as table grapes, avocados and mangoes.