Queensland’s $352 million Rookwood Weir project is progressing towards construction as two contractors have been awarded contracts to build the project that will help boost water security in Central Queensland.
Local builder McCosker Contracting and Lendlease Engineering have been appointed to deliver Rookwood Weir, which is expected to create up to 140 local jobs and aid the State’s plan for economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
“Queensland has a plan for economic recovery, which we can roll out because we have managed our health response.
“That plan includes a $50 billion infrastructure guarantee and Rookwood Weir is part of that guarantee,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
According to Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham, the appointment of McCosker Contracting and Lendlease Engineering is significant for the local benefits that it will bring.
“CQ [Central Queensland] face tough time ahead, as do regional economies around the world because of COVID-19.
“This is a CQ business with 25 years of CQ history, involved in a project that will change the region,” Dr Lynham said.
The once-in-a-generation Rookwood Weir project is also anticipated to inject about $120 million into the Central Queensland economy.
“McCosker and Lendlease have committed to sourcing at least 140 employees in CQ – that's at least 70 per cent of their project team.
“That’s 140 people who will be able to look back proudly in decades to come and say they were part of this project,” Assistant education Minister and member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said.
Over the next two months, delivery partners McCosker, Lendlease, GHD and Sunwater will be working closely together to progress the project. This will include seeking quotes from suppliers for the construction of the workers’ camp as well as for quarry materials, plant and equipment hire, and fencing.
“From September, suppliers and contractors will be signed up, with preliminary works starting in November.
“That’s Rookwood Weir creating jobs in the short-term, as well as opportunity well into the future as Queensland recovers.
“That’s good news for local businesses,” Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said.
Bob McCosker, McCosker Contracting’s Managing Director said that one of the company’s first priorities is to work with other project members and connect with local industry, suppliers and workers.
“This is an unprecedented opportunity for local businesses to play a critical role on a project that will significantly enhance water security in the region.
“To date, 247 businesses have registered to provide services to the project, and the Rookwood team will be holding industry briefings to discuss what is available for suppliers,” Mr McCosker said.
Lendlease Engineering Directory of Delivery Glenn McIlroy said that it is great to be part of a “generation-defining” development for the communities in the Rockhampton and Gladstone regions.
“We know how important water is to productivity and growth, so we are delighted to play a role making available an additional source of water for agricultural and industrial development,” Mr McIlroy said.
A proposal for how water from Rookwood Weir is going to be allocated will be released for consultation this month. The proposal will include high priority urban water for Gladstone as well as medium priority water for farmers.
In addition, Sunwater will be assessing farmers’ bids for the first tranche of medium priority water from Rookwood Weir for agricultural and non-urban use.
The second tranche of bids for smaller lots will remain open for submissions until the end of this year.
Works on a new Riverslea Bridge have also commenced together with two other road projects associated with Rookwood Weir. The projects include a $2.2 million Capricorn Highway intersection upgrade at Gogango and a $7.5 million upgrade at Thirsty Creek Road that was completed last month.
Rookwood Weir is going to be located about 66 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton, on the Fitzroy River.
This significant water infrastructure is aimed at making approximately thousands of megalitres of water available to help in agricultural growth as well as supply industrial and urban water in Central Queensland.
Construction on Rookwood Weir is expected to begin in April 2021 and completed by 2023. Wet commissioning is due to begin in January 2024.
Source: Queensland Government; Inside Construction; Sunwater