New fish passage for Fitzroy Barrage thanks to Rookwood Weir

• $7 million Fitzroy Barrage fishway to support 31 native fish species
• Sixth enabling project to be delivered as part of the Rookwood Weir Project
• Delivery of the weir is on track with construction more than 90% complete

The Rookwood Weir project is helping fish species move safely and more freely in the Lower Fitzroy River system.

As part of the project’s environmental offset strategy, a $7 million fishway is to be added to the Fitzroy Barrage, located at Rockhampton, downstream of the weir.

Construction of the fishway will support 12 jobs and provide 31 native fish species access to 545 hectares of habitat.

The new fishway design features ‘cone’ type blocks throughout the structure and will enable smaller fish to migrate upstream and downstream of the river from the north side of the barrage.

The infrastructure will be built on the north side of the barrage, which is the left bank when looking downstream, and supplements two fishways on the south side, or right bank.

Queensland-based construction firm, Pensar Infrastructure will construct the fishway, with work starting this month. 

Sunwater has worked closely with owner of the barrage, Rockhampton Regional Council, to ensure operation of the new fishway maintains water security for the region and complies with regulations.

The fishway is one of the six additional projects being delivered as part of the Rookwood Weir Project.

Road upgrades at Gogango and Thirsty Creek have been completed, as has construction of the 260-metre long Riverslea Bridge. Work on the Hanrahan and the Foleyvale crossing upgrades has also commenced.

Rookwood Weir, located approximately 180 kilometres up-river of the Fitzroy Barrage, has one of Australia’s most innovative fish locks.

This landmark piece of infrastructure and the new Fitzroy Barrage fishway will allow for effective species migration and better connect fish populations to their habitat.

The Rookwood workforce continues to make great progress on-site with construction of the weir more than 90% complete.

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

“The fish lock and fish passage as part of the Rookwood Weir project is a great example of environmental, economic and social benefits being delivered hand in hand.

“This will connect fish to their natural habitat where they eat, shelter and breed.

“The Rockwood Weir project is a win for nature, a win for jobs and a win for water security in Central Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher:

“The project continues to provide economic benefits to the region, with work on the barrage supporting more jobs for Central Queenslanders.

“Apart from the Weir unlocking further growth in Central Queensland, I’m pleased to see the enabling infrastructure like roads and fish passages provide further connectivity and environmental benefits.

“This new fishway at the barrage will complement the innovative fish lock at the weir, with both supporting fish habitat and migration within the river."

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton MP, Barry O’Rourke:

“It’s important the Rookwood Weir Project supports the region’s natural aquatic fauna.

“Every milestone sees Central Queenslanders a step closer to further water security and agricultural opportunities.”

Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Mayor, Tony Williams:

“It is great to see this further commitment by Sunwater to help improve ecosystem health in the mighty Fitzroy.

“Since the Rookwood Weir project was announced, Sunwater has been exemplary in its collaborative approach, engaging with Council every step of the way. 

“This new fishway is in line with the Council-endorsed Rockhampton Recreational Fishing Development Strategy’s key project to improve ecosystem health through connectivity.”

Quotes attributable to Sunwater CEO, Glenn Stockton:

“The project is dedicated to mitigating or offsetting potential impacts on the natural environment wherever possible.  

“Working with Rockhampton Regional Council to build this new fishway will help to deliver on that objective by allowing fish to make their way around water infrastructure and continue downstream.

“Sunwater appreciates the positive relationship with Council and the work undertaken by the Rockhampton Regional Council and its staff to support the delivery of this important programme of work.”

Further Information:

The Queensland and Australian Governments have contributed $183.6 million each to the total spend, and Sunwater is funding the remainder of the $568.9 million Rookwood Weir.

ENDS

Media contact: Lizzy Aboud – 0474 811 004