An independent inquiry has commenced into Paradise Dam but Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said it’s already been exposed as a sham.
Mr Bennett said the terms of reference for the inquiry explicitly exclude any investigation into the entire construction process of Paradise Dam.
“In the GHD technical report released into the structural issues at the Dam it directly cites that issues were identified as early as 2006*,” he said.
“For over two months I have been fighting for this inquiry on behalf of a devastated community and still we are not getting the answers we deserve.
“If Labor were serious about finding the answers to the dam’s structural issues, they would have included the construction and planning time period from 2002 onwards.
“I think I speak for many when I say we have been in shock since the water releases began and the secrecy and lack of transparency from the Labor Government has been infuriating.
“This disastrous decision made by a city-centric government is a national scandal and once again, they’re continuing to cover it up.”
The inquiry’s key areas of focus will be:
• the root cause of structural and stability issues identified in engineering and technical studies conducted on the Paradise Dam between 30 January 2013 and 30 November 2019
• if, and to what extent, the governance, processes and systems involved in the design, construction or commissioning of Paradise Dam contributed to that root cause.
The commissioners will present a full report along with recommendations to the Premier by 30 April 2020.
The full terms of reference is available online: https://www.dnrme.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1463665/tor-commission-inquiry-paradise-dam.pdf
* page 24-25 GHD Sheer Strength Review: https://www.sunwater.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Home/Projects/Paradise%20Dam%20Essential%20works/Paradise_Dam_RCC_Shear_Strength_Review.pdf
06/12/19