Rookwood Weir water flows for Central Queensland farmers

• 21 successful bidders to receive water following second tender
• More than 6000 megalitres going to Lower Fitzroy landholders
• Delivery of the weir is on track with construction and concrete placement progressing

Economic opportunity has been unlocked in Central Queensland with the completion of the second tender for water from the soon-to-be-completed Rookwood Weir, as 21 successful bidders secured a total allocation of 6000 megalitres for productive irrigation use.

Strong interest from across the region resulted in 21 successful bids, with 6082 megalitres sold from an available 7500 megalitres.

Sunwater will now determine how best to make the unsold water available for future sale.

Allocations of between 10 and 500 megalitres were available, and the water will be used for a variety of primary industry purposes, from grain, fruit, and nut cropping, to supporting livestock production.

Finalisation of the second tender follows the successful completion of the first stage of the process in December 2020, which provided 30,000 megalitres.

As part of their submissions, tender two applicants were required to demonstrate how their use of the water will contribute to the local economy.

Prior to the tender, several local farmers took part in the $1.2 million Landholder Support Program facilitated by Advance Rockhampton, to help them prepare their submission.

The Rookwood workforce continues to make great progress on-site with construction of the weir now 74 percent complete.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“Water is one of our country’s most precious resources.

“The Albanese Labor Government knows how vital the nearly completed Rookwood Weir project is to delivering water security to support economic growth in Central Queensland.

“It is great to see the second stage of water sales concluded. Extra water allocations of 6000 ML will unlock further agricultural opportunities across Central Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Water Glenn Butcher:

“It is great to confirm that 21 landholders have successfully secured a future water allocation from Rookwood Weir.

“50 per cent of the water from Rookwood Weir will be used for agricultural purposes, to allow farmers and businesses to expand or diversify their operations.

“With the completion of the second tender, this landmark project is now another step closer to providing long-term water security for Central Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke:

“Rookwood Weir has already provided a significant economic boost – with more than 300 construction jobs and numerous flow-on benefits for local businesses and suppliers.

“Now, the water from the weir will add further value with more agricultural jobs and supply chain opportunities, while allowing farmers to transition to higher-value crops.”

Quotes attributable to Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton:

“Sunwater will work with successful bidders in coming months to ensure they have the tools, information, and water infrastructure they need to access water from Rookwood Weir.

“The project team is making great progress on-site, with day and night concrete pours continuing for the weir’s foundations, abutments, monoliths and spilling basins.

“We remain on track for construction to be finished later this year, weather permitting.”

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Mayor Tony Williams:

“Rookwood Weir is proving to be a big significant driver of economic growth and jobs in our region.

“Council has worked closely with Sunwater through the Rookwood Weir Landholder Support Program to help local landowners develop business plans and take part in the tender process.

“With our region already seeing the benefits of the first tranche of Rookwood’s water sales through new investments and initiatives; we are excited to see the outcomes that will be delivered from this latest round of water sales.”

Further Information:

The sale of water allocations from the weir has been conducted through a tender process with an undisclosed reserve price per megalitre.

The Rookwood Weir project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Queensland Governments, delivered in partnership with Sunwater.

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004