Miles doing what matters: local supplier targets exceeded as Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline full steam ahead

• New milestone for the 117km Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) as 1,500 cubic metres of concrete being poured to create the base for one of two reservoirs at Aldoga
• Miles Labor Government’s commitment to buy local is supporting jobs and businesses in Central Queensland
• The FGP has spent more than $114 million with Central Queensland businesses, exceeding the project’s $90 million local content target
• The FGP project is on track for completion in 2026

Construction of the Miles Labor Government’s Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) continues to take shape. There is 1,500 cubic metres of concrete being poured to create the base for one of two reservoirs at Aldoga, 20km north-west of Gladstone.

This important work required more than 100 truckloads of concrete, using two batching plants in Gladstone and Calliope, operating over two twelve-hour days. Local workers ensured the success of the pour, which was coordinated by Principal contractor McConnell Dowell BMD Group Joint Venture (MBJV).

Once constructed, each reservoir will be 76 metres in diameter – wider than the wingspan of a Boeing 737, 12 metres high – equal to the height of a three-story building; and will have the capacity to store 50 megalitres of water. Combined, the reservoirs will hold a maximum of 100 megalitres (equal to 20 Olympic sized swimming pools).

In line with the Miles Labor Government’s Buy Queensland policies and commitment to support local content, the FGP continues to prioritise local suppliers. The FGP team committed to a local spend target of $90 million in the Central Queensland region.

As of the end of August 2024, the local spend target was exceeded with more than $114 million spent within the Central Queensland region and a further $149 million spent within Queensland.

The project consists of a 117km pipeline will run from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network. The $983 million project will provide a second source of water for Gladstone, assist in addressing the water supply risk from Awoonga Dam, and enable long-term water security for Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) customers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Mr Glenn Butcher: 

“Its full steam ahead with the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline. We back this project because we back water security and good, secure jobs – both now and into the future.

“There’s so much activity in Central Queensland thanks to the Miles Labor Government. Hot off the heels of Rookwood Weir, the largest weir built since World War Two, we’re getting on with important infrastructure projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road, the Mount Morgan Pipeline and of course the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline.

“When it comes to delivering infrastructure in Central Queensland, you can only trust the Miles Labor Government.

“The LNP and their reserve grade team the One Nation political party are just pretenders. All they ever do is cut or make excuses. Instead of celebrating this critical infrastructure, all they do is talk it down and throw stones.

“When we’re talking about and delivering high-value irrigated agriculture, hydrogen jobs in Gladstone and investment into our region, they’re talking about back-up generators. You can’t make this stuff up – while we’re investing and building Central Queensland’s future: they just can’t help themselves in being negative.

“I’m proud to be the Miles Government’s Manufacturing Minister and I see every day how hardworking our small businesses are across Central Queensland. I’m shamelessly a champion for local suppliers, so its great to see the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline’s local spend targets already exceeded, with more to come.”

Quotes attributable to Gladstone Area Waterboard CEO, Darren Barlow: 

“The pouring of the first of two bases for these enormous water storage reservoirs is a mammoth task. Being able to mobilise local batching plants and workers is something we pride ourselves on.

“I am delighted the FGP has exceeded its local spend target. GAWB and MBJV have spent considerable time and effort engaging with businesses, suppliers and sub-contractors in the Gladstone region to achieve this success.

“But we are not resting on our laurels. We are continuing to engage the communities in which we operate.

“In mid-September, our Chief Operating Officer - FGP Hugh Barbour presented at the Capricorn Enterprise Major Projects Forum in Rockhampton. Next month he will present at the Gladstone Engineering Alliance Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference in Gladstone to provide an update on the FGP and to outline future opportunities to work with GAWB.”

Quotes attributed to Boral Concrete Area Manager, Craig Rutherford:

“Boral is a long-standing supplier of concrete throughout Gladstone and Rockhampton.

“Being an integral supplier to the FGP project is yet another opportunity for us to support the Gladstone economy and help cement Gladstone’s water security.”

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004