LETTING of the contract to build the $352 million Rookwood Weir in Central Queensland is at least six months away, it was disclosed earlier today.
Queensland's Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said expressions of interest from construction contractors could be lodged online immediately.
The EOI requires candidates to have a proven track record of tackling technical considerations, have a proven safety focus, adherence to cost and environmental objectives and be capable of providing benefits to local communities.
Dr Lynham added interest was "already high" with more than 60 contractors attending a briefing on September 30. Additional industry information sessions would be held in Rockhampton later in the month.
But a process to select the preferred contractor will not proceed until the New Year with the contract for the main weir package awarded mid-2020.
Ahead of a rally today in the heart of Rockhampton advocating for the weir as originally planned, Dr Lynham defended the State Government's plan to implement design changes, which could cut the capacity of the weir from 76,000 megalitres to 54,000 megalitres.
He said the changes were influenced by cost and a reticence on the part of the Federal Government to contribute more than $176mil.
"We had a stark choice - either we build on budget at $352mil or we walk away," Dr Lynham said. "They (the Federal Coalition) often talk about water infrastructure but when they open their wallets only moths come out."
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said Prime Minister Scott Morrison could not recall Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk asking for more money at a meeting which was said to have occurred in July.
"If the premier wanted $200 million you don't ask for that over a cup of coffee," Ms Landry said.
State Member for Rockhampton Barry O'Rourke and his Keppel electorate colleague Brittany Lauga said they welcomed the opening of online tendering.
"This project will create up to 100 jobs during construction, boost economic activity in the region and deliver the water Central Queensland needs to grow agricultural businesses," Mr O'Rourke said.
Ms Lauga said the project was "about urban water security" for CQ.
Rockhampton Regional Council is set to start work next month on the $7.5 million Thirsty Creek Road upgrade as part of the Rookwood project.
Tenders for other Rookwood project packages, including road and bridge upgrades, are scheduled to be released in November and early next year.
The EOI is available at www.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders/
Alan Welburn
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
