A major new dam proposed for the Burnett river in southeast Queensland, Australia, is expected to create 7500 jobs and provide $1.7 to $2.9B in economic benefits, according to a recently completed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The new dam, to be situated 80km southwest of Bundaberg is the key element of the Burnett Catchment Water Infrastructure Project proposed by Burnett Water, a company owned by the state of Queensland.

Other elements of the project include the construction of new weirs at Eidsvold and Barlil and the raising of the existing Jones and Walla Weirs.

Burnett Water commissioned consulting firm, Sinclair Knight Merz, to assist with the preparation of EIS’ for the Burnett river dam and the Barlil, Jones and Walla weirs.