Up to 25 Central Queensland jobs will be created building a $12.5 million bridge at Riverslea in the latest phase of the $352 million Rookwood Weir project.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said that Queensland-based Civil, Mining and Construction (CMC) would be on site today starting the year-long project.
"Queensland, like the rest of the world, is facing tough economic times ahead due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr Lynham said.
"We're continuing to manage our health response and that means Queensland's plan for economic recovery, including its $50 billion infrastructure guarantee, is already rolling out.
"Rookwood Weir is region-changing water infrastructure that will deliver hundreds of jobs during and after construction and will expand irrigated agricultural production in the Lower Fitzroy."
The local Members of Parliament welcomed the latest milestone for the $352 million Rookwood Weir project.
"Central Queensland, like the rest of Queensland and Australia, is looking for good economic news as the world seeks a way out this global pandemic," Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said.
"Rookwood Weir has already delivered 40 jobs at Thirsty Creek and Gogango, and the Riverslea Bridge now means up to another 25."
Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke said 247 CQ businesses had already registered their interest in supplying goods and services on the project's dedicated web registry.
"This is local businesses showing a real sign of confidence in our region's future," he said.
"I'd encourage any local business with the capabilities required to get on board to be part of the future jobs and growth opportunities the weir offers for industry and farmers into the future."
The Riverslea bridge will replace the existing crossing, which will be inundated when the weir reaches full supply. The new bridge will have a single 3.5m lane and will be 21 metres high and 260 metres long.
The $2.2 million-dollar Capricorn Highway intersection upgrade at Gogango and the $7.5 million upgrade at nearby Thirsty Creek Road were completed last month.
Additionally, Sunwater has lodged an initial development application with Rockhampton Regional Council for an accommodation camp to house up to 250 Rookwood Weir workers near Gogango.
About Rookwood Weir
Rookwood Weir is being constructed on the Fitzroy River, 66 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton.
The thousands of megalitres of water it will make available will underpin agricultural growth and supply industrial and urban water in central Queensland.
Construction is scheduled to start by April 2021, for wet commissioning in January 2024.
