Progress flows on CQ dam projects

Progress continues on the $495 million dam project for Eden Bann and Rookwood weirs in central Queensland, with another step forward today in the environmental impact assessment.

The Coordinator-General today released extra information for public consultation on the EIS for the Fitzroy River project, which proposes to raise the Eden Bann Weir and build a new weir at Rookwood.

State Development Minister and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said the project would mean more jobs for central Queenslanders, with a peak construction workforce of 150 people, and a significant investment in the CQ economy.

“The project has the potential to capture 76,000 megalitres per annum of unallocated water resources and help meet the future residential and industry water demand in in the Rockhampton, Gladstone and the Capricorn Coast.

“It also has the potential to provide lower priority water for agricultural development in the lower Fitzroy valley.

“Water infrastructure projects by their very scale and permanence require rigorous economic and environmental feasibility assessment prior to final approvals.

“We will continue to work in close co-operation with each level of government to progress the business case through Building Queensland, so we can make an informed decision on this project.

The Gladstone Area Water Board and SunWater are behind the project proposal to raise Eden Bann, 62 km north-west of Rockhampton, and a new Rookwood Weir, about 65 km west of Rockhampton. 

The material is open for comment until 27 June 2016.

For more information on the EIS and making a submission:

• visit www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/lower-fitzroy
• email fitzroyweirs@ghd.com.au
• call 1800 423 213.

[ENDS]           28 May, 2016

Media contact:           Jan Martin       0439 341 314