Bids open to build Rookwood Weir

Bids open today to build Central Queensland’s $352 million Rookwood Weir.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said expressions of interest open online at 11am today (2 October) for construction contractors wanting to build Queensland’s next piece of major water infrastructure.

“The Palaszczuk Government is getting on with delivering a landmark, multi-million-dollar project that will underpin agricultural growth and supply industrial and urban water for years to come,” he said.   

“Today’s milestone is yet further tangible proof of our commitment to this project, which to date we have already invested $66 million in.”

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga welcomed the latest progress on the project.

“This project will create up to 100 jobs during construction, boost economic activity in the region and deliver the water Central Queensland needs to grow agricultural businesses,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“This is also about urban water security for CQ, including Livingstone Shire, into the future,” Ms Lauga said.

Sunwater is seeking expressions of interest from companies with the capability and expertise to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects to the highest industry standards.

The EOI requires candidates to have a proven track record of working collaboratively to tackle technical considerations, proven strong safety focus, while adhering to cost and environmental objectives, and providing benefits to local communities.

Dr Lynham said industry interest was already high, with more than 60 contractors attending a briefing on Monday.

“Additional industry information sessions will be held in Rockhampton this month,” he said.

The EOI will be open at the Queensland Government’s online tender portal, https://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders/

A process to select the preferred contractor will take place early in 2020 with the contract for the main weir package awarded mid-2020.

Tenders for other Rookwood Weir project packages, including road and bridge upgrades, are scheduled to be released in November and early next year. 

Local businesses in Central Queensland are already registering their interest in providing goods and services to the project after a dedicated web-registry went live earlier last month.

They include machinery operators, labourers, plumbing and electrical contractors, catering and office suppliers.

Rockhampton Regional Council is set to start work next month on the $7.5 million Thirsty Creek Road upgrade, another key package of work being delivered as part of the Rookwood Weir project.

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Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314