Rookwood Weir project start of in-river construction begins

The $367.2 million water infrastructure project is being constructed on the Fitzroy River, 66 kilometres south west of Rockhampton to improve water security and expand agricultural growth and supply in the region.

In March, both Queensland and federal governments each committed a further $7.5 million to unlock 10,000 additional megalitres of water for central Queensland.

Related: Rookwood Weir unlocks additional 10,000ML for central Queensland after $15m funding boost

Once complete, the over-16-metre-high weir will enable a transition to higher-value agricultural land use and provide 86,000 megalitres of water to the central Queensland.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project is creating employment and economic development opportunities for Central Queensland.

"This is a project that will deliver 200 jobs during construction and expand irrigated agricultural production in the Lower Fitzroy River Region by providing an additional 86 000 megalitres of water," Mr McCormack said.

"The Rookwood Weir is a great example of the Australian Government delivering the water infrastructure that will become the National Water Grid, our $3.5 billion investment to secure Australia's water future."

Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said Rookwood Weir was a transformative project for Central Queensland.

"Water is the lifeblood of our regional communities and industries and the Queensland Government's vision is for water to be secure, affordable and accessible," Mr Butcher said.

"More water from Rookwood Weir represents more opportunity for irrigators in the Lower Fitzroy to increase their production, grow their businesses and create more jobs for Queenslanders."

Construction on the 18-metre-high concrete Riverslea Bridge upgrade is approaching finalisation, replacing the existing crossing with a single 3.5-metre-wide road lane, connecting the approaches to the bridge with the existing road, including passing bays at both ends, and demolishing the existing culvert crossing.

The Capricorn Highway intersection upgrade at Gogango and the upgrade and widening of Thirsty Creek Road have already been completed.

Works on the fourth enabling project, an upgrade to Foleyvale Bridge and its approach roads, are expected to commence on site in early 2022.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry recently visited the workers camp to mark the start of the weir construction.

"The project will provide at least 140 jobs for workers in Central Queensland and the now complete workers' camp will provide quarters for crews working 10 days on, four days off, to build the weir," Ms Landry said.

Sunwater Chief Executive Officer Glenn Stockton said it was pleasing to see construction activity ramping up at the weir site after many months of preparatory work.

"There are almost 100 workers currently housed in the accommodation camp with more arriving every day," Mr Stockton said.

"An on-site concrete batch plant will start operation next week with bulk earthworks on the left and right riverbank continuing.

"Sunwater is excited to be delivering this important project which will provide water security for the region, as well as jobs and economic opportunities for businesses and industry."

The Rookwood Weir project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, which are each contributing $183.6 million, and delivered in partnership with Sunwater.

The first water from Rookwood Weir will be available in 2023.