Premier challenges Canberra to fund Rookwood Weir

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has challenged the Turnbull Government to jointly fund the construction and operation costs of the Rookwood Weir.

Attending the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Canberra, the Premier said the Queensland Government would pay half of $352.2 million construction costs and half of the operating costs if the Turnbull Government matched it. 

“The business plan for the Rookwood Weir has been completed and released. My Government is prepared to fund half the capital and operating costs for the Weir. I want the Turnbull Government to match our commitment, so we can start construction,” the Premier said. 

“The Turnbull Government is also yet to match our Government’s commitment of $25 million for the construction of the South Rockhampton Flood Levee. The Council has also committed $10 million. We are approaching the first anniversary of the Fitzroy River flooding in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Debbie” 

Background 

Rookwood Weir

• the weir could add 76,000 megalitres of water for agricultural production along the Fitzroy River, as well as an eventual back-up supply for Gladstone, Rockhampton and Livingstone Shire.
• the region has potential for irrigated agricultural production, including high value agriculture such as citrus, grapes and vegetables, as well as cattle feedlots.
• the project would create 100 construction jobs and increased agricultural production would generate more direct jobs.
• for the project to be economically viable, water would need to be used to boost agricultural production substantially.
• the water would be available within two years of construction starting. 

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791