Rockhampton Regional Council compiles shortlist of project for federal election advocacy

A list of 11 projects has been created to be lobbied for throughout the 2022 federal election. The South Rockhampton flood levee is notably absent from the list. See the details of each project here.

As the federal election looms, Rockhampton Regional Council has compiled a shortlist of projects it will be lobbying for.

It is anticipated the federal election will most likely be held by the end of May 2022.

The list of projects has been determined by council as the “most essential” for the community, are ready to be delivered and support growth and development in the region with economic and industry benefits.

Rockhampton region Mayor Tony Williams said the full list of priorities included projects that would meet the critical needs of the community now, and ensure it can grow.

Cr Williams said the council couldn’t fund these projects alone and is calling on federal candidates to support them.
“We have a town that has run out of water and essential, catalyst infrastructure that needs to be delivered or we can’t grow,” he said.

“We have a theatre precinct ready to raise our cultural profile if we can first raise the funding for a business case and design.

“There is agricultural land that can be unlocked through raising Eden Bann Weir, and a new apron at the airport will bring opportunities not just to our region but to all of Central Queensland.

“And we can support our Central Queensland farmers with shade at the saleyards and a new bridge at Glenroy Crossing.

“In the lead up to the federal election, these are the projects that we will be seeking meetings with candidates to discuss.

“They are the projects that our community needs, and that will help us grow and reach our full potential.”

The $180 million South Rockhampton Flood Levee, a 8.74km flood levee which would prevent the Fitzroy River flooding parts of the CBD, Port Curtis and Depot Hill, is notably absent from the list.

The shovel-ready project had gained $25m commitments from both the state and federal governments however was continually stalled due to cost blow-outs.

In October 2020, council asked to redirect funding allocated to the levee to other projects before the money would expire and until the overall levee funding shortfall could be reached.

Council did allocate $487,197 in the 2020/21 budget released in June to keep the business case for the project current.

At this stage, candidates for the federal election include for Flynn, Gladstone region Mayor Matt Burnett for Labor and Callide MP Colin Boyce for LNP and in Capricornia, Labor candidate Russell Robertson against incumbent federal MP Michelle Landry.

List of Rockhampton Regional Council's short-listed projects for election commitments in 2022.

Project details, status and cost

Capricornia

Airport Developments – Bay 7 and freight hub

A new apron (bay 7) and integrated freight hub to accommodate current and future FIFO operations and charters, agricultural and export supply chain growth, bigger defence aircraft and more efficient emergency and disaster responses.

The shovel-ready project would support 90 local jobs and 171 nationally.

Council is asking for $10 million to deliver Bay 7 and a commitment to advance plans for a future freight hub.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo redevelopment

A redevelopment has been pitched to upgrade the tired facilities, renew the playground, add a visitor hub, amenities and more.

The design tender concept has been released and closes on December 15.

Funding: Council allocation: $6,375,000 External funding: $2,900,000 Total project budget: $9,275,000

Rockhampton Performing Arts & Convention Centre

The vision for the Pilbeam Theatre is to create a modern accessible performing arts centre for Central Queensland with state of the art facilities, indoor and outdoor spaces for touring shows, conventions and informal meetings, a rehearsal space and a 1050 space theatre.

Council is asking for $3.5 million to develop a business case and detailed design.

North Rockhampton Sewage Treatment Plant augmentation

The plant provides a service to around 50,000 people per day and is nearly at capacity and the population is expected to grow by 31,000 in the next 15 years.

An augmentation will increase the plant’s capacity by 50 per cent, to service 4,600 new households, and upgrades the current infrastructure.

Construction will create 80 full time jobs.

Tenders closed in early November for the project and the works are due to commence in January 2022.

Council is asking for $25 in co-funding for the $75 million project.

Funding: Council allocation: $47,350,000 External funding: – Total project budget: $47,350,000

North Rockhampton Sporting Precinct

Council plans to develop a multi-purpose precinct that can cater to a range of different sports, clubs and events as well as attract state and national tournaments.

A new sporting precinct would boost the region’s reputation as a premier recreational, sporting and events location.

Council will be seeking meetings with candidates and local members as well as key stakeholders to further develop plans.

Showgrounds redevelopment

The Rockhampton Showgrounds hosts everything from major events and exhibitions to community groups and weekly meetings.

Redevelopment of the site will provide an ideal opportunity to boost the benefits this key asset already provides, and serve the community even more in the future.

Council will be seeking meetings with candidates and local members as well as key stakeholders to further develop a vision for the redevelopment.

Flynn

Mount Morgan Water security

This project looks at the options to increase the long-term water supply security for Mount Morgan.

The township has endured harsh water restrictions in the past couple of years due to drought conditions and water is currently being trucked to the town daily from Gracemere, to the tune of up to $11,000 per day.

AECOM was successful in obtaining the business case tender for the project, which is due to be submitted in April 2022.

Council is asking for a $3.5 million election commitment for preliminary evaluation, business case and detailed design for a long-term solution.

Funding: Council allocation: $1,200,000 External funding: – Total project budget: $1,200,000

Glenroy Road corridor upgrades

Glenroy Crossing is in need of a new bridge for flood immunity.

The proposed project is for the construction of a new bridge with flood immunity and upgrades to Glenroy Road.

The upgrades would support the works at Rookwood Weir and Rockhampton Ring Road, and boost agricultural development.

Council is seeking $24 million for the project.

Eden Bann Weir raising

Council is asking for $5 million for a feasibility study and to develop a business case to raise the weir by around 35,000 megalitres per annum.

There is strong demand for bulk agricultural water supply, as seen by the first stage of water sales from Rookwood Weir when demand outstripped supply.

Raising the weir would supplement urban water security, increase agricultural water supply, meet the demands and growth and provide further jobs and exporting.

Mount Morgan Pool

The existing pool and infrastructure have reached the end of their viable service life and need to be replaced.

The project includes demolition of the existing structures and site upgrade with power, water and sewer works.

A new pool is to be 25m with eight lanes, 9m to 13.5m deep and have entry ladders, starting blocks and all accessibility ramp.

Shade structures, a splash pad, change room, amenities and entry kiosk and also be constructed, along with portable grandstands, landscaping, lighting, fencing and car park resurfacing.

Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2023.

Council is asking for $5.5 million as an election commitment.

Funding: Council allocation: $500,000 External funding: – Total project budget: –

Gracemere Saleyards building upgrades

The Gracemere Saleyards is one of the largest livestock exchanges in Queensland selling 120,000 head of cattle annually.

The facility is owned by council and is operated by CQLX.

The next phase of upgrades include a new selling area roof, increasing the sales capacity by 10,000, safety improvements and animal welfare improvements.

Council is seeking $5 million as an election commitment.