First contract in train for Rookwood Weir

Rockhampton Regional Council crews will be the first to break ground on the $352 million Rookwood Weir project.

Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today announced that a request for offer has been made to Council to undertake the approximately $6.5 million upgrade of Thirsty Creek Road.

“This is a milestone that Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga and their constituents have been looking forward to,” Dr Lynham said.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr O’Rourke said it would be great to see the familiar hi-vis shirted council crews breaking the first ground.

“It doesn’t get more local for Rocky than our own council workers,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“This is a long-term project that is paying off now with work for local people.”

Ms Lauga said the people of Central Queensland could see tangible evidence of progress and Government commitment to an important economic booster.

“Rookwood Weir will deliver jobs now and for the next couple of years and the water CQ needs for security and agricultural business expansion.”

The upgrade will involve the widening of a 16.2-kilometre section of Thirsty Creek Road, ensuring the local road network can safely accommodate heavy earthmoving vehicles for weir construction.

Dr Lynham said Council and Sunwater expected to sign the contract in late-August to start the work so that gravel can be crushed in time for work to begin as soon as possible.

The major contract for construction of the weir will be released to the market later this year for expressions of interest, with a contract awarded in mid-2020.

“Sunwater is open for business and wants to speak to potential customers for the water that Rookwood will deliver,” Dr Lynham said.

“I encourage interested locals to contact Sunwater on 13 15 89.

“And the Federal LNP is always welcome to accelerate their funding contribution to the project.”

Sunwater chief executive officer Nicole Hollows told a Parliamentary Estimates Committee hearing Wednesday that final design had been completed for the road upgrade and bridges, as well as 85 per cent of the design for the weir.

The bridges will allow for increased flood immunity and reliability of access across the Fitzroy River.

About Rookwood Weir

Rookwood Weir is being constructed on the Fitzroy River, 60 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton.

The thousands of megalitres of water it will make available will underpin agricultural growth and supply industrial and urban water in central Queensland.

The Palaszczuk State Government and the Commonwealth continue to finalise funding agreements.

In the interim, the Palaszczuk Government has allocated $149 million over two years to allow detailed planning and design, and on ground works to proceed.

[ENDS]

Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314