When Rocky to Gladstone water pipeline will be decided on

Here is the next step of the process for the proposed Rockhampton to Gladstone water pipeline project.

The Gladstone Area Water Board has awarded a tender for the proposed Fitzroy River to Gladstone pipeline project.

GAWB has appointed Queensland-based engineering firm Tell Advisory and Singapore-owned firm SMEC into advisory roles for pre-construction activities.

Tell Advisory will be the transaction advisor and SMEC will be the owner’s engineer.

These firms were selected from a tender between late-September and late-October 2021.

However, the project still requires approval from the Queensland Government.

GAWB was appointed by the government for pre-construction activities.

The project is set to be decided on by the Queensland Government in the first quarter of 2022.

Member for Gladstone and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said as a local, he knew what the pipeline would mean for the community.

“Projects like the Gladstone to Fitzroy pipeline are a massive undertaking, so it’s right we make sure everything stacks up pre-construction, so we can tick all the boxes and get the pipeline built as soon as possible, if required. An investment decision is expected by the middle of this year,” Mr Butcher said.

“Gladstone’s large industrial base is extremely important to the region and the state’s economy. Awoonga Dam has a large storage capacity, able to supply local industry for around six years, without significant inflows.

“The government closely monitors water security across Queensland and has modelling in place, to determine and mitigate any risks, so action can be taken, if needed.”

Mr Butcher insisted that Rockhampton’s water security would not be jeopardised by the project, with 16,667ML of the 86,000ML extra from the Rookwood Weir to be dedicated to Gladstone.

GAWB Chief Executive Officer Darren Barlow said forming a strong project team was key to delivering on project objectives outlined by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.

“As the delivery authority for Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline pre-construction activities, we’re focused on the goal of getting this important project in a position to immediately start major on-site works as soon as construction of the pipeline is approved by the Queensland Government,” Mr Barlow said.

“A critical part of this is having the right people on the job and working collaboratively to support a seamless transition to potential construction.

“While the Department is finalising investigations to determine the full scope of the pipeline, we’re committed to engaging with Tell Advisory, SMEC and our entire project team to strongly position the Department to quickly respond to the region’s water security risks if drought conditions continue in 2022.”