Unforeseen weather events impact construction of $1b water pipeline

A temporary workers camp housing up to 136 people has been granted a time extension due to weather events affecting construction of the $1b Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project.

Pipes being laid for the 117-kilometre water pipeline running from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton to the Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun  with the   capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum.

A temporary workers camp housing up to 136 people at Gracemere has been granted a six-month extension due to “unforeseen weather” delays affecting construction of the $1b Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project.

Rockhampton Regional Council granted the extension for B. M. D Constructions Pty Ltd and McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd at its meeting this week for the land to Enterprise Drive, Gracemere.

“The reason for the change is because of unforeseen weather events experienced in 2024, the Fitzroy Gladstone Pipeline facilities were delayed,” the officer’s report to council said.

“It is anticipated that the FGP facilities and construction workforce will now require accommodation until December 2025.”

The camp site is now proposed to be returned to its pre-development vacant lot scenario, excluding surface level site improvements including a concrete floodway, site earthworks, detention basin and hardstand areas.

The workers camp layout at Gracemere.

Council originally approved a Development Permit for Non-resident Workforce Accommodation (temporary 200 person) and Warehouse located before reducing that to 136 people in December 2023 to reflect “reduced capacity of the accommodation onsite”.

The Gladstone Area Water Board website lists the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline as a project to address the single source water supply risk from Awoonga Dam and enable long-term water security for GAWB’s customers.

It says construction is planned for completion in 2026 (weather and construction conditions permitting), which is consistent with 2023 pipeline construction announcements.

The $1b water pipeline will have capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone.

The 117km pipeline will run from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun with the capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum.

The pipeline comprises a water treatment plant, reservoirs and pumping stations at locations along its alignment including Laurel Bank, Alton Downs and Aldoga.

GAW says the pipeline will provide water security and reliability help ensure the continued operations of Gladstone’s industry

contribute to the growth of the Queensland economy create more than 400 jobs at the peak of construction create 25 apprenticeships and traineeships provide 10,000 hours of training to the delivery team support the growth of Queensland’s renewables sector.

The GAW has been approached for comment.

Originally published as Unforeseen weather events impact construction of $1b water pipeline