Design contract awarded for QLD Cooranga Weir Project

The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the delivery of the Cooranga Weir Project as part of its election commitment to restore water security in the Burnett region.

Through Sunwater, the State Government has appointed Stantec to design the proposed Cooranga Weir which is planned to be built on Boyne River, about 50 kilometres downstream from the Boondooma Dam in the Boyne River and Tarong Scheme.

“We are focused on making sure public money is invested carefully and in projects that support real jobs and long-term growth.

“We said we would back regional Queensland, and by building the right infrastructure so regional industries can expand with confidence, we are getting on with it,” Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said.

The proposed weir will be about nine metres high and 180 metres wide, and it will have a capacity of 2,500 megalitres.

This project will not only support long-term water security, but it will also aid agricultural growth for the Burnett region.

“We are continuing to deliver on our commitment to increase water security for our rural and regional communities.

“The design work will ensure we build a great asset that will provide certainty for irrigators for decades to come and ensure a sustainable plan for Queensland’s future,” Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said.

“The people of Callide have been waiting for a government that understands and supports the important work of our farmers and local businesses,” Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Member for Callide Bryson Head said.

Project location (source: Sunwater)

The Cooranga Weir Project forms part of the Crisafulli Government’s Watertight Water Security Plan that will deliver water security for the Burnett region.

The next stage of planning for the project will involve procurement activities as well as early planning for enabling and site preparatory works.

Sunwater is expected to present design options and cost estimates to the State Government later this year for an investment decision.

The design phase – due to be completed in early 2027 – is anticipated to support a team of 15 Queensland engineering specialists.

“This work will include the required engineering designs, drawings, and construction support to build the nine-metre high and 180-metre-wide weir.

“Work is also underway on a range of on-site investigations, planning and environmental approvals to enable construction of the weirs,” Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said.

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Sunwater