Call for water supply interest in Rookwood Weir

Progress is continuing on the Rookwood Weir business case, with demand for water to be assessed.

Minister for Agriculture and Economic Rural Development and Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said Building Queensland, Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) and SunWater are seeking information from potential customers interested in water from the proposed Rookwood Weir in Central Queensland.

“A Request for Information will be advertised both locally and nationally inviting parties to provide information about their interest in water supply to support future agricultural and industrial opportunities in the Lower Fitzroy region,” Mr Byrne said.

“Rookwood Weir, located west of Rockhampton, could provide up to 42,000 megalitres of high priority water to support regional agricultural and industrial development.

“Significant investment in water infrastructure in the region, such as the Rookwood Weir, needs to be supported by sound evidence and careful consideration especially given the major cost that may be required for construction, and is consistent with the Turnbull Government’s policy and requirements.”

Minister for Water Supply Mark Bailey said the Request for Information was an important step in the business case for Rookwood Weir.

“The Request for Information process is a critical component of the demand assessment for water from the proposed Rookwood Weir and will inform the detailed business case for the Lower Fitzroy River Infrastructure Project.” Mr Bailey said.

“The point of the business case for Rookwood Weir is to determine the feasibility of the proposed future water infrastructure project.”

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to undertaking a detailed analysis, and meeting the Turnbull Government’s policy and requirements before making a decision and it is great to see the business case taking the next step by gathering this important demand information.”

Building Queensland CEO Damian Gould is advising anyone interested in water from the Lower Fitzroy River region to use this as an opportunity to identify their potential water requirements now to allow water demand from the proposed Rookwood Weir to be fully understood.

“The Request for Information will close on 12 May 2017 and information provided will be used to assist with the completion of a detailed business case assessing the viability of the project,” Mr Gould said.

Building Queensland is leading the development of a detailed business case for the project in partnership with the project proponents, GAWB and SunWater.

If you are interested in further information or participating in the Request for Information process, please visit http://www.fitzroyweirs.com.au/businesscase.html and complete the form.

Minister Byrne’s Office:           Adrian Taylor - 0448 994 172

Minister Bailey’s Office:           Zoe Russell - 0428 079 640

Building Queensland:               Megan Anderson – 0475 978 478