By Lynda Myer
A landmark achievement has been reached for the $367.2 million Rookwood Weir project in Queensland by commencing the In-river construction. Following completion of some enabling works, such as the recent completion of the workers’ accommodation camp, this construction was started.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said: “The Rookwood Weir project is creating employment and economic development opportunities while increasing water security for Central Queensland.”
He continued: “This is a project that will deliver 200 jobs during construction and expand irrigated agricultural production in the Lower Fitzroy River Region by providing an additional 86,000 megalitres of water. The Rookwood Weir is a great example of the Australian Government delivering the water infrastructure that will become the National Water Grid, our $3.5 billion investment to secure Australia’s water future.”
The Fitzroy River, 66 km south-west of Rockhampton, is the location that the Rookwood Weir is going to be built. Due to the over-16m-high weir, the possibility of higher-value agricultural land use and new industrial business opportunities in the region will be enhance after completing the construction.
“Rookwood Weir was a transformative project for Central Queensland. Water is the lifeblood of our regional communities and industries and the Queensland Government’s vision is for water to be secure, affordable and accessible,” said Glenn Butcher, Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water.
He also asserted: “More water from Rookwood Weir represents more opportunity for irrigators in the Lower Fitzroy to increase their production, grow their businesses and create more jobs for Queenslanders. By delivering this project, the Queensland Government is delivering water security and prosperity for the entire Rockhampton region.”
The 18m-high concrete Riverslea Bridge upgrade is ending, alternating the available crossing with a single 3.5m-wide road lane, linking the approaches to the bridge with the existing road, including passing bays at both ends, and demolishing the existing culvert crossing.
While the Capricorn Highway junction upgrade at Gogango and the upgrade and widening of Thirsty Creek Road have already been reached to final, it is expected that works on the fourth enabling project, an upgrade to Foleyvale Bridge and its approach roads, will be started in 2022.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, stated: “The project will provide at least 140 jobs for workers in Central Queensland and the now complete workers’ camp will provide quarters for crews working ten days on, four days off, to build the weir. I welcome the economic opportunities the workers’ camp will provide to many workers – not only those that will help build the weir, but also local housekeeping and maintenance workers.”
According to Glenn Stockton, Sunwater Chief Executive Officer: “It was pleasing to see construction activity ramping up at the weir site after many months of preparatory work.There are almost 100 workers currently housed in the accommodation camp with more arriving every day.”
“An on-site concrete batch plant will start operation next week with bulk earthworks on the left and right riverbank continuing. Sunwater is excited to be delivering this important project which will provide water security for the region, as well as jobs and economic opportunities for businesses and industry,” added Mr. Stockton
The investors of Rookwood Weir project are Federal and Queensland governments, which are each granting $183.6 million, and this project is delivered in partnership with Sunwater. The determined date for first water accessing in Rookwood Weir project is in 2023.
For further information about the National Water Grid please visit here .
