Palaszczuk Government ready to roll on Rookwood

Published Wednesday, 04 April, 2018 at 08:52 AM

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
The Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today pledged to move quickly on the $352 million Rookwood Weir once Federal support is detailed.

The Federal Government announced today it would contribute half the capital costs of the project, three months after the Palaszczuk Government and the Federal Labor Opposition committed to funding half.

“I join the people of Central Queensland, and our two hard-working local MPs, in welcoming this long-awaited Federal commitment,” Dr Lynham said.

“This means jobs and business opportunities, as well as future water security, for CQ.

“Like the CQ community, the Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke and the Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga, I’m relieved Canberra has finally come to the party.

“This has taken constant pressure from the Premier at COAG meetings, as recently as February.

“Just last month, we put forward a motion in Parliament calling on the LNP in Queensland to support this project.

“Once we see the signatures on the dotted line, particularly around their contribution to operating costs into the future, I will be working with my Cabinet colleagues to progress the project to the next stage.”

Mr O’Rourke said he was relieved to see commitment across the board and a way forward for the project. 

“This offers 100 construction jobs and an opportunity to increase and diversify our region’s agricultural production well into the future,” he said.

“This is the commitment finally from Canberra that CQ has been waiting and working for.”

Ms Lauga said the weir would provide a back-up supply to Livingstone Shire, Rockhampton and Gladstone as the communities grow.

“Access to water is essential for growth – for agriculture, for business and industry and for local communities,” she said.

“The 76,000 megalitres of water Rookwood will eventually provide will mean high value agricultural production along the Fitzroy River within two years of construction starting.”

[ENDS]

Media contact: Jan Martin 0439 341 314