- Construction of Rookwood weir is now more than 65 per cent complete
- Workforce numbers to peak at more than 300 in coming weeks
- Second tender will make water available for local farmers
Australia's largest weir is a step closer to completion, with Central Queensland's $367.2 million Rookwood Weir project now more than 65 per cent complete.
Palaszczuk Government Water Minister Glenn Butcher visited the site today with local MP Barry O'Rourke and Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams to check the progress of this crucial water infrastructure project.
The on-site team has made significant progress, with more than 81,000m3 of the required 130,000m3 of concrete now poured for the weir's foundations, abutments, monoliths and spilling basin.
With activities ramping up following the wet season, it is expected the workforce will reach more than 300 in the coming weeks.
125 of these jobs are currently filled by Central Queenslanders, who are playing a key role in developing an essential infrastructure asset for their region.
Sunwater expects construction on the weir to be finished later this year, weather permitting.
The project team has overcome numerous challenges during construction, including six inundation events in the Fitzroy River.
Quotes attributable to Water Minister Glenn Butcher:
"It's great to see the finishing line in sight for this important project that will drive economic growth throughout Central Queensland.
"To date, almost $170 million from the project has been spent in Central Queensland, delivering flow-on benefits for the local community.
"More than 81,000m3 of the required 130,000m3 of concrete has now been poured for the weir's foundations, abutments, monoliths and spilling basins."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:
"The Australian Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure and services Queensland needs.
"The Albanese Government knows how important Rookwood Weir is for Central Queensland and the important role it will play to deliver water security for residents, businesses and farmers. It is great to see the project reaching this milestone for completion this year."
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton MP Barry O'Rourke:
"Water from the weir will benefit growers planning commercial cropping, such as grains, as well as tree crops, such as dragon fruits and macadamias. It will also support livestock production.
"A key component of the bidding process has been for tenderers to demonstrate how the water will be used and how it will contribute to the local economy."
Quotes attributable to Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton:
"Building in such an active river catchment is a challenge. Sunwater is well equipped to deal with issues of flooding on this type of project and have been able to quickly get back to work after each weather event.
"Focusing on out-of-river work during river inundations, including work on the weir's turtle passage and fish lock structures, has ensured we are efficiently delivering the project."
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams:
"Rookwood Weir will mean great things for the Rockhampton region and deliver new economic development opportunities in the agriculture sector.
"It will mean more produce grown locally, greater investment in horticulture, cropping and livestock production and will underpin the future of the Fitzroy Food Bowl."
Further Information:
At least 50 per cent of water from the weir will be for agricultural use; a second tender for water sales closed in February 2023, with parcels of between 10 and 500 megalitres available for local growers.
The Rookwood Weir project is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments, delivered in partnership with Sunwater.
