Rookwood needs more Canberra dollars, business case says

Independent assessment of the $352 million Rookwood Weir proposal shows it needs more money from Canberra than their current offer to be economically viable.

In Rockhampton to make the independent assessment public, Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said the numbers were now on the table for everyone to see.

“Building Queensland has assessed all the facts in its detailed business case and says that the project is not commercial with the Commonwealth offer of $130 million,” he said.

“It shows, quite clearly that without a fair contribution from Canberra, the price of the water will be too high for farmers and other potential users.

“The Member for Capricornia has talked about $260 million. It’s time for Central Queensland’s Federal parliamentarians to step up to the plate and secure extra dollars from their Canberra bosses.”

The business case released publicly today shows that:

• 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.

Dr Lynham also sent the business case today to Agriculture and Water Resources Minister David Littleproud, asking the Turnbull Government to reconsider its financial commitment against the latest, up-to-date costings for the project.

“As I’ve said all along, we need to make the right decision by Queensland taxpayers, including CQ taxpayers,” he said.

“We’ll all know exactly where we stand, and only then can the State make a call on the project. 

Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga welcomed the release of the business case.

“CQ communities and business leaders can see the numbers and the potential merits of project in detail now for themselves,” Ms Lauga said.

“It’s in black and white now - this is a once a lifetime opportunity to expand this region’s agricultural production.”

Mr O’Rourke encouraged the Member for Capricornia and Senator Canavan to work with him and Ms Lauga to progress the issue.

“This is an issue that’s best resolved together for the benefit of all of our constituents and the region,” he said.

Read the business case.

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Media contact: Jan Martin 0439 31 314

Eds: Download a map and images of the site of the proposed Rookwood weir at the DNRM media centre.