Queensland farmers are worried the restoration of a lowered dam wall is taking too long and hasn't been funded as they prepare for a wet summer.
The state government lowered the wall of Paradise Dam, west of Bundaberg, by 5.8 metres in 2020 due to structural concerns but has since committed to restoring it to the original height.
But the $1.2 billion project, to be jointly funded by the federal government, will take at least three wet seasons to construct.
Farmers are questioning the timeline as they face their third La Nina in a row.
It comes as the federal opposition calls on the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to allocate the $600 million the former government promised to the project in the next budget.
Water flows in wet season
Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers chief executive Bree Watson said growers would feel more secure about the future of the project if it was in the budget.
"Until that dam is full [height] we can't actually hold all of this wonderful rain that we've been experiencing," she said.
"We've got some challenges coming into the next few months, it's going to be an absolute shame to see that water go to waste."
Paradise Dam is currently at 97.5 per cent of its 170,000 megalitre capacity.
It will hold 300,000Ml once it is restored.
Design, environmental and planning approvals are underway, with early work expected to start next year and major work due to begin in 2024.
Ms Watson said even with the continued wet weather presenting challenges for the construction, farmers were worried the project was not moving as quickly as it could.
"They were pretty quick at knocking it down, they need to stabilise it and put it back up," she said.
"At this stage it seems to be report after report, just get on and get the job done.
"The quicker we can get on with the job, the quicker it's there and can actually hold the water that we're expecting."
The Bureau of Meteorology outlined in its latest long-range forecast an increased risk of an above average number of tropical cyclones and lows for the east coast.
"This season there is an increased risk of widespread and prolonged riverine flooding across northern and eastern Australia," the bureau said.
"Rivers are high, dams are full, and catchments are wet across much of eastern Australia, meaning any rainfall has the potential to lead to widespread flooding."
Calls for funding
In February, Hinkler MP and then federal water minister Keith Pitt announced the coalition would fund half of the project cost.
Now in opposition, he called on the new government to renew that commitment.
"We committed $600 million to Paradise Dam, that must be in the budget in October and we've heard that firsthand and loud and clear from our local producers," Mr Pitt said.
"That is water for food, it is not water for hydrogen, it is not cultural water, it is not water for other purposes, it is water for food production.
"We need that dam fixed and we need it done as quickly as possible."
Opposition leader Peter Dutton, who was visiting the region, said it was critical infrastructure for the region and the nation.
"Because it will ensure the continuing lifeblood of this local community," he said.
"It goes into additional food production and that is good for not only domestic production, but for the export of product as well."
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said she was carefully considering all dam funding announcements from the previous government.
"The government is committed to improving water security for all Australians — particularly for those in our regions," she said.
"The recent drought still looms large in the minds of many, including for our growers, and I understand the desire to see action on future water security.
"We also need to plan for the impacts of climate change, given the increasing demand for this limited resource.
"There is no doubt that new dams will be part of that picture — but they are not the only option."
The federal budget is due to be delivered on October 25.
A spokesperson for water service provider Sunwater said expressions of interest had opened for the major construction contract, and responses were due by the end of the year for a partner to be chosen mid-2023.
"Construction methodologies and detailed project schedules will be developed once a construction partner is appointed," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said ongoing wet weather in the catchment over the past 12 months had led to multiple spill events at the dam, which was a consideration when planning in-river works.
"Project-enabling works are expected to commence in 2023 and will include local road upgrades, material sourcing and investigations, and planning for a workers' accommodation camp."
