Worker’s camp at Gracemere Industry Park for Fitzroy Gladstone Pipeline

More than 50 temporary buildings could pop up in Gracemere to house workers for the $983 million Fitzroy Gladstone Pipeline. The first pipes for the project were delivered in Rockhampton this week with construction due to start in August. SEE THE PLANS.

The first pipes have been delivered for the Fitzroy-Gladstone water pipeline as plans emerge for a temporary 200-person worker’s camp to be built at Gracemere, near Rockhampton, to support the construction of the $983 million project.

The 116km long pipeline was given the tick of state government approval in February this year, with the first pipes arriving on sites in Rockhampton on Friday.

CQG Consulting submitted a material change of use development application this month to Rockhampton Regional Council for temporary non-resident workforce accommodation and ancillary plant lay down facilities, including washdown area and a vehicle workshop for minor repairs only, on behalf of the contractors BMD Constructions and McDonnell Dowell joint venture.

Gladstone Area Water Board has been appointed to manage the design and construction and will own and operate the pipeline once built.

“The FGP is a critical piece of infrastructure to support the Central Queensland community,” the planning report states.

“Water is integral to the continued operation of Gladstone’s industry which supports thousands of jobs and significantly contributes to our regional and state economy.

“The FGP will provide long-term water security to industry and urban supply in Gladstone and address the single source water supply risk from Awoonga Dam, which has repeatedly suffered from failed wet seasons.

“The pipeline will also support the emerging hydrogen and renewables sector that is set to expand in Gladstone.”

The pipeline goes through Rockhampton and Gladstone Regional Council areas, and will run from the Lower Fitzroy River at Laurel Bank, with the majority of its length within the Stanwell-Gladstone Infrastructure Corridor Development Area and then connect with GAWB’s existing water infrastructure near Yarwun.

The FGP includes three facility sites – the Fitzroy Intake and Pumping Station, Aldoga Downs Water Treatment Plant and Aldoga Reservoirs.

Site plan of the proposed 200-person worker's camp for Gracemere Industrial Park.

Lot 51 Enterprise Dr in Gracemere Industry Park was strategically chosen as the location for the worker’s camp as it is connected to existing trunk infrastructure, has sufficient area, heavy vehicle access and is located next to the pipe laydown yard.

“Lot 51 was selected given all services are available for connections, its proximity to FGP right of way where working crews will be travelling to daily, and direct access for a-double trucks required for pip deliveries to the laydown area,” the planning report states.

The worker’s camp is not expected to be used for more than two years and once the project is complete the site will be returned to its pre-existing conditions.

The accommodation facility layout includes a reception, office, kitchen and dining, amenities, gym, laundry, locker room, linen store, storage, communications room and medical room.

A drawing of the kitchen and diner building for the worker's camp.

Drawing of the four-person accommodation building for the worker's camp.

There would be 50 four-person accommodation buildings.

Allowance has been made for generator and fuel storage, potable water and sewage and a 77-bay carpark.

The planning report notes nearby neighbours have been contacted in regards to the proposed workers camp and issues of noise, vehicle movements, dust, lighting and environmental impacts have been addressed.

Construction at the site will be limited to between Monday to Saturday, 6.30am to 6.30pm.

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The development application is now under assessment by council officers.

FIRST PIPES DELIVERED

Dignitaries, including Gladstone MP and Water, Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher, Keppel MP Brittany Lauga and Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke gathered at the laydown site on Friday morning to mark the beginning of the project as the first pipes were delivered in Rockhampton this week.

The pipes are being manufactured by Australian company Steel Mains Pty Ltd and allow the pipeline to transport 30 gigalitres per annum from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone.

“This is a significant milestone for the delivery of the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline and is a great opportunity to ensure that this project is on Central Queenslander’s radars,” Gladstone Area Water Board CEO, Darren Barlow, said.

The project is estimated to cost $983 in total and $548.5 million will be spent in 2023-24 with construction due to start in August this year.

The McConnell Dowell BMD joint venture has spent the past three months negotiating with landholders, sourcing equipment and materials and starting works at the Gracemere laydown area and workers gamp.

Weather and construction conditions permitting, it is expected to be completed by 2026 and support 400 local jobs and more than 25 apprenticeships.

“The 117-kilometre pipeline will deliver long-term water security to the Gladstone region to support more job creating industries – this is good jobs now and into the future,” Mr Butcher said.

“The Bradfield panel recommended investing in the use of water closer to where it falls as well as developing Regional Water Grids, and we are doing just that.”

Mr O’Rourke said 40 per cent of the project construction costs were expected to be spent locally during the delivery.

“(It) will be a fantastic opportunity and economic boost for Rockhampton,” he said.

“We’re eager to see the lasting positive legacy that the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will have on our region.”