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Nathan Dam and Pipelines

Project overview*

EIS statusLapsed*
Description An 888,312-megalitre dam, with an annual yield of 66,011 ML; and a 149.3-kilometre trunk pipeline.
Proponent SunWater Ltd (a government-owned corporation)
Location/s
  • Dam wall: on the Dawson River, approximately 36 km north-east of Taroom
  • Pipeline: from dam, through the Surat Basin, to Warra
Local government/s
  • Banana Shire Council (water storage area and pipeline)
  • Western Downs Regional Council (pipeline)
Investment $1.2 billion (based on 2012 values)
Key features
  • earth and rockfill dam with spillway on right abutment
  • multi-level offtake
  • aquatic fauna transfer devices
  • pipeline
  • associated infrastructure
Jobs
  • up to 525 (construction)
  • up to 5 (operational)

* Project information supplied by proponent and subject to change.

Environmental impact statement (EIS) process

DateActivity
1 June 2021 Coordinator-General’s report on EIS lapsed.
13 July 2017 Commonwealth Minister for the Environment’s approval of 'controlled action', subject to conditions. More information
31 May 2017 Coordinator-General's evaluation report on the EIS (PDF icon 3.31 MB).
8 October 2016 to
7 November 2016
Additional information to the EIS (AEIS) public consultation.
26 July 2012 Additional information for the EIS requested by Coordinator-General.
23 April 2012 to
5 June 2012
EIS public consultation.
13 February 2009 Terms of reference for EIS (PDF icon 801 KB) released.
13 September 2008 to
17 October 2008
Draft terms of reference for EIS public consultation.
30 July 2008 Project deemed a 'controlled action' by Commonwealth Minister for the Environment. More information
3 July 2008 Project referred to Commonwealth Minister for the Environment.
2 May 2008 Gazettal of 'coordinated project' declaration (PDF icon 177 KB)
19 March 2008 Application, including initial advice statement (PDF icon 224 KB), submitted.

Read more about the EIS process.

Further information

For more information, visit the Nathan Dam and Pipeline web page.

Last updated: 16 Mar 2023