Rookwood Weir will hold 86,000 megalitres of water along the Fitzroy River upstream of Rockhampton. Photo: Sunwater.
Queensland water corporation Sunwater has announced that construction of the Rookwood Weir on the Fitzroy River upstream from Rockhampton has been completed.
Construction on the weir commenced in 2020 and – despite the effects of the pandemic and the weir being inundated by flood events on three occasions – was completed on schedule and on budget. The construction created more than 350 jobs, more than half of which were local, and 30 of which were apprentices or trainees who will go on to work on other water projects.
The 16.2-metre-high and 350-metre-long weir will hold 86,000 megalitres of water, which will be used to boost agriculture and support industry in the region, over an impoundment nearly 60 km long. Nearly 2.2 million hours were spent building the weir, and it is expected water from the weir will be available from early next year.
Construction of the weir also required several smaller complementary construction projects that have been completed or are underway, including an upgrade of the Capricorn Highway intersection, an upgrade and widening of Thirsty Creek Road, construction of the 260-metre long Riverslea Bridge, and upgrade of Hanrahans Crossing, the construction of a new Foleyvale Bridge, and the installation of new fishway at the Fitzroy River Barrage.
Federal Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the government is delivering for Central Queensland.
“As well as boosting water security for Central Queensland, the Rookwood Weir features an innovative fish lock and turtle passage that will support species habitat and migration in the Lower Fitzroy River,” she said.
“This project is a win for nature, a win for jobs and a win for water security in Central Queensland.”
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick added, “This is the largest piece of new water infrastructure in Australia in more than a decade and the largest weir built in Australia since World War 2.
“This generational piece of infrastructure will diversify Central Queensland’s economy, provide water security, create good long term local jobs and increase the prosperity of the entire region.”
Queensland Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said, “We cannot underestimate how significant this achievement is.
“These big pieces of infrastructure are complex projects – Rookwood Weir was delivered in an in-river environment and impacted by inundation events throughout construction. The fact that it has been delivered on time and won design awards just shows how well we can build things here in Queensland.”
Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton added, “Over the past three years, Sunwater and our Alliance partners have been dedicated to delivering the Rookwood Weir project safely, efficiently and to the highest standard.
“I congratulate the project team for their hard work and ability to overcome several challenges, including six river inundations events that prevented in-river works for a total of eight months and in ensuring the right asset is built.
“A debt of gratitude also goes to Darumbal peoples and the neighbouring Jetimala and Gaangulu Nation peoples whose Country we have had a footprint on, local residents and the broader Central Queensland community for their support and positive contributions to the successful delivery of this vital regional asset.”
