Central Queensland MPs Glenn Butcher, Barry O’Rourke and Brittany Lauga have welcomed the confirmation of Sunwater as the proponent for the $352 million Rookwood Weir project.
“The Palaszczuk Government allocated $66 million in the 2018-19 Queensland Budget to progress this much-needed infrastructure,’’ Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said.
“Once constructed, Rookwood Weir will have the ability to supply 76,000 ML per annum of water for the region – a resource that will underpin agricultural growth and supply industrial and urban water throughout Gladstone and the Capricorn Coast.’’
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the weir, to be built on the Fitzroy 60 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton, would provide water certainty for Central Queensland.
“SunWater is well placed to develop and operate Rookwood Weir. The infrastructure will be integrated into their existing local network which includes Eden Bann Weir and Stanwell Pipeline.”
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the go-ahead on Rookwood was proof of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to infrastructure in regional Queensland.
“This Government has been determined to get on with the job, despite the federal obstacles, and the appointment of Sunwater is a crucial step.’’
Chief Executive Officer Nicole Hollows said Sunwater had worked with Gladstone Area Water Board during the preliminary phases of the project to identify demand for water in Central Queensland and the drivers for economic growth.
“Our research tells us there are primary producers in the region with an appetite for growing their business, diversifying into new crops or using their land differently,” Ms Hollows said.
“Irrigated water from Rookwood Weir would empower many of them to do this in the future.’’
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said it had taken a lot of hard work to get to this point and wanted to acknowledge the important role of all parties involved, including GAWB’s committed efforts during the preliminary phases of the project and SunWater.’’
“The local members too have been tireless in trying to bring this project to fruition and they now can see real action,’’ Dr Lynham said.
Rookwood Weir will provide a combined 42,000 ML of water per annum for agricultural and commercial use.
Approximately 4000 ML per annum of high priority water will be used to supplement urban supplies along the Capricorn Coast.
GAWB will also have access to approximately 30,000ML per annum of high priority water to supply industrial and urban users in Gladstone.
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