SunWater to review Big Rocks Weir project near Charters Towers

Queensland Government-owned corporation SunWater will conduct an in-depth review of the Big Rocks Weir project near Charters Tower.

The Big Rocks Weir Business Case suggests a strongly positive economic outcome from the construction of a 188 metre long, 10,000 ML capacity weir at Big Rocks, north of Charters Towers.

Queensland Government-owned corporation SunWater will conduct an in-depth review of the Big Rocks Weir project near Charters Towers.

Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the review came after the Charters Towers Regional Council wrote to the government wanting to relinquish its role as proponent, developer, owner and operator of the proposed 10,000 megalitre weir.

“I have asked SunWater to undertake a review and advise on next steps for the Big Rocks Weir Project and to liaise closely with Charters Towers Regional Council as part of this process,” he said.

“We want to get this right – I have every confidence SunWater is the entity best placed to lead this work; and will provide advice to government on potential next steps for the project.”

The government has agreed with the council’s request that it be reimbursed for project expenditure incurred that cannot be claimed under the funding agreement with the Queensland and Australian Governments.

The Council will be reimbursed the sum of $276,297.

It is expected Sunwater’s advice will be provided back to the Queensland Government by mid-2025.

Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher has tasked SunWater with conducting a review and project evaluation for the Big Rocks Weir project, near Charters Towers. Picture David Clark

The Miles Government said it would continue to support water projects in North Queensland, allocating $540 million towards raising and improving Burdekin Falls Dam in addition to funding both stages of the Haughton Pipeline.

Mr Butcher said the Miles Labor Government had delivered $6.6 billion in water infrastructure.

“While the LNP whinge and complain – we’re just getting on with delivering region shaping infrastructure – like the recently completed Rookwood Weir,” he said.

“In the North of the state we’re delivering key projects like raising Burdekin Falls Dam to increase its capacity by 30 per cent and supporting councils to bolster water security through projects like both stages of the Haughton Pipeline and the Replacement Program for the Charters Towers Water Reticulation Network just to name a few.”

Originally published as SunWater to review Big Rocks Weir project near Charters Towers