Night-time concrete pours start at Rookwood Weir project near Rockhampton

Queensland’s largest water infrastructure project is starting to rise from the Fitzroy River.

Night-time concrete pours have started at the Rookwood Weir project near Rockhampton as Queensland’s largest water infrastructure project starts to rise from the Fitzroy River.

The pours started overnight last Thursday into Friday, marking another major construction milestone for the $367.2 million project.

When complete, Rookwood Weir will unlock thousands of megalitres of water to increase water security, expand irrigated agricultural production and drive new employment and economic opportunities across Central Queensland.

Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton said the concrete pours took place at night for temperature control in mass concrete.

“The concrete pours are undertaken in a continuous operation over an 11-hour night shift for about 12 months and we will see the structure take shape over that time,” Mr Stockton said.

“A range of other works for the project were also significantly advanced, including having moved 800,000m3 of earthworks, while a coffer dam, which will help divert river flows, and a temporary river crossing are close to completion.

“All of these activities will help enable works to continue when the river height rises with the approaching wet season.”

A concept image of the Rookwood Weir when completed.

The concrete is now being produced at the on-site batch plant and is being used for the weir’s spillway-monoliths and left abutment.

The project team is working hard to keep to the construction timeline following a two-week shutdown last month after a contractor that visited the site tested positive for COVID-19.

Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Federal Government was determined to deliver for the people of CQ and Rookwood Weir was proof of that commitment.

“Rookwood Weir is going to transform this entire region, driving the expansion of irrigated agricultural production and opening up new business opportunities which will boost the local economy,” Mr Joyce said.

“The best thing we can do for this country is ensure a secure future for water, our farmers and the regional communities that continue to drive our economic recovery.

“That is why we are investing $3.5 billion through the National Water Grid Fund – to improve water security while promoting local economic activity and job creation along the way.”

MAP: The Fitzroy Basin water plan area for the Rookwood Weir.

Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the project was already delivering benefits across the region.

“It is great to see significant progress on this landmark project that will boost employment opportunities and economic growth across Central Queensland,” Mr Butcher said.

“We currently have 196 workers onsite to deliver the weir, 128 of which are Central Queenslanders, with 14 apprentices and trainees.

“Additionally, 95 per cent of project costs will be spent in Queensland.”

Federal Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said the Rookwood Weir project would enable the region to grow and prosper into the future.

“The approximately 86,000 megalitres of water Rookwood Weir will make available will underpin agricultural growth and deliver secure, reliable and affordable water across Central Queensland, setting up local industry to succeed,” Ms Landry said.

Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said concrete now being produced at the on-site batch plant was “an important step” towards delivering the weir.

Rookwood Weir is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, delivered in partnership with Sunwater.

The first water from Rookwood Weir will be available in 2023, following the full commissioning of the infrastructure.