the Rookwood Weir project in Queensland, Australia, took a substantial step towards completion with the successful completion of the final concrete pour for the weir crest. The Honourable Glenn Butcher, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, and Minister for Water, was present to announce this significant milestone.
The completion of the Rookwood Weir spillway marks a momentous achievement, pushing the project's overall progress to over 98%. This milestone holds immense promise for Central Queensland as it inches closer to ensuring water security and fostering economic growth in the region. The final concrete pour for the weir's structure is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
The latest feat in this project's journey was the culmination of the last monolith for the Rookwood Weir spillway crest. The top of this monolith received its final infusion of concrete over the weekend, signifying the completion of the spillway. This spillway consists of a series of 13 monolith structures, each standing at an impressive 16.2 meters in height and 15.5 meters in width.
Out of the necessary 131,000 cubic meters of concrete, a staggering 129,500 cubic meters have already been poured, solidifying the fact that the weir component of the project is now over 98% complete. The remaining concrete work, crucial for safeguarding the weir structure from erosion, is slated for completion in the coming weeks.
The construction of the Rookwood Weir has been a round-the-clock endeavor, with the majority of concrete placements taking place during the evenings and early morning hours. This meticulous scheduling ensures a gradual curing process for the concrete, guaranteeing its long-term durability.
The successful completion of the spillway signifies that the Rookwood Weir is now prepared to store significant inflows from the upstream Lower Fitzroy River catchment. This marks a significant advancement in water management for the region.
While a dedicated workforce of 140 individuals remains on-site to finalize the weir, their tasks include placing the last 1,500 cubic meters of concrete and completing the electrical and mechanical components of the fish lock and turtle passage.
Crucial enabling projects, such as the Hanrahan and Foleyvale crossing upgrades, are progressing well and are expected to conclude in the coming months, weather permitting. Additionally, plans are in motion for the new Fitzroy Barrage fishway, situated in Rockhampton.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, underscored the paramount importance of delivering secure and reliable water to Central Queensland, emphasizing that Rookwood Weir plays an indispensable role in achieving this objective. She hailed this milestone as a significant victory for the community.
Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the project's progress, highlighting that Rookwood Weir, upon completion, will stand as the largest weir constructed in Australia since World War II. He also emphasized the project's significant role in job creation and its potential to provide long-term water security and economic growth to the region.
Rockhampton MP, Barry O'Rourke, commended the project for its substantial contribution to the future of water security in Central Queensland, with over $250 million invested locally and the creation of hundreds of jobs, along with opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
Glenn Stockton, CEO of Sunwater, noted that the project's focus has now shifted towards finalizing the weir's remaining concrete requirements and completing the electrical components of the fish lock and turtle passage. The project is poised to provide water for customers in 2024, following the completion of the weir's infrastructure.
The Rookwood Weir, with a total cost of $568.9 million, has received substantial support from both the Queensland and Australian Governments, each contributing $183.6 million, while Sunwater is funding the remainder of the project.
