$352.2m Rookwood Weir project in QLD to begin construction in 2021

Queensland’s $352.2 million Rookwood Weir project is moving towards construction as the State and Australian Governments co-sign a funding agreement. 

The Australian Government is now investing $176.1 million towards the delivery of the project, showing its commitment to developing regional communities. 

“We welcome the progress on Rookwood Weir – a project that will deliver around 200 jobs during construction, increase water security and expand irrigated agricultural production in the Lower Fitzroy River region. 

“By growing our agricultural production, we are supporting regional Australian livelihoods, creating jobs and contributing to regional economic recovery,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The project involves construction of the weir and enabling works that will upgrade existing infrastructure to support both the construction of the weir and its operations, including: 

• Upgrading and widening 16.2 kilometres of Thirsty Creek Road 

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• Installing a new intersection on the Capricorn Highway and upgrading Second Street and Third Street through to the railway crossing at Gogango 
• Building a 21-metre-high, 260-metre-long bridge at Riverslea to replace the existing crossing and up to 300 metres of new road on the approaches to the bridge, connecting to the existing road 

Rookwood Weir is set to provide water security that will help grow and diversify agriculture in the region and, at the same time, support industrial water use in the regions of Gladstone, Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton. 

“I share the considerable uncertainty expressed to me by farmers, land owners and graziers on the total water capacity for Rookwood Weir, and I sincerely hope Queensland Government allocates adequate water for agricultural use at a fair price. 

“The access to reliable and affordable water is integral to the growth of Central Queensland’s agriculture sector and it increases Central Queensland’s chances of becoming Australia’s next food bowl in tandem with other water projects like Connors River Dam and Urannah Dam,” Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said. 

Project location (source: Sunwater)

Rookwood Weir is located in the lower Fitzroy River, approximately 66 kilometres south west of Rockhampton. 

In August of this year, McCosker Contracting and Lendlease Engineering were awarded contracts to build Rookwood Weir. You can read more about the contract awards here. 

The entire design and construction project team is comprised of Sunwater as construction authority, operator and water marketer; GHD as design partner; and McCosker Contracting and Lendlease Engineering as builders. 

“Water security is always a critical concern for our region and the Rookwood Weir project will help alleviate this concern. 

“Every Central Queenslander should be excited for this project kicking off,” Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said. 

Early works on the Rookwood Weir project is due to begin in late 2020, with in-river and major construction activities to begin in April 2021. 

Subject to approvals and weather permitting, construction is expected to be completed and Rookwood Weir to be operational by 2023. 

The Australian Government is investing about $3.5 billion towards a 10-year rolling program of water infrastructure projects that will provide billions of litres of water for productive use as well as help develop the National Water Grid. 

This significant investment will grow the country’s agriculture industry, increase water security, improve drought resilience and support regional prosperity. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Sunwater (1, 2, 3)