The Queensland government wants the federal government to match its $600 million commitment to fix Paradise Dam.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the state government will fund half of the $1.2 billion project to restore the Paradise Dam wall in Queensland's Wide Bay Burnett region.

In 2020, the wall was lowered by 5.8 metres due to structural concerns, but plans are in place to return the wall to its original height and restore the dam’s full 300,000-megalitre capacity.

Work is set to commence in 2023, but the project needs more money.

“We've worked very cooperatively with the federal government on Rookwood Weir where we have been able to secure joint investment and now we're asking the federal government to match our commitment to this dam,” the Premier said.

“[Queensland's Minister for Water] Glenn Butcher has advised me that he has been having some very productive conversations with the Deputy Prime Minister.

“The local federal member is the federal Water Minister, so I can't understand why he would not agree to this.

“We expect that ... there will be over 250 construction jobs.”

Mr Butcher says the project will take three to four wet seasons to complete.

“This is a massive project - when you do works on a massive spillway which we have seen recently overflowing, that will be some time out of the project,” he said.

“This is an important project for this community, and we want to make sure we get his project done on time and on budget.

“My conversation with Barnaby Joyce a few weeks ago now was very fruitful; he said he would look at supporting it, but that's up to him.

“We've put our money on the table, now we're looking to see if they will support this wonderful project for this region.

“If I know the Premier - and I do know her well - we will commit to whatever the shortfall is.

“If they [federal government] don't come on board, this Premier will get this dam built.”