Concrete progress for $362.7m Rookwood Weir

The first concrete pours for the foundations of the Rookwood Weir have commenced in what is being hailed as a major construction milestone for the $367.2 million project. Rookwood Weir is being built on the Fitzroy River 66km south-west of Rockhampton to help increase water security and drive new economic opportunities. Concrete is being produced at an onsite batch plant for use on the weir’s spillway-monoliths and left abutment. Sunwater chief executive officer Glenn Stockton said the pours took place at night for temperature control in mass concrete. “The concrete pours are undertaken in a continuous operation over an 11-hour night shift for about 12 months and we will see the structure take shape over that time,” he said. “A range of other works for the project were also significantly advanced, including having moved 800,000 cubic m of earthworks, while a coffer dam, which will help divert river flows, and a temporary river crossing are close to completion. “All of these activities will help enable works to continue when the river height rises with the approaching wet season.” Central Queensland-based McCosker Contracting was awarded the contract to build the Rookwood Weir with ACCIONA in partnership with GHD and Sunwater. Local contractors at the Rookwood Weir site include Schwarz Excavations, Avopiling, Thomas Plant Hire, Qwest and Concrete Pumping Queensland. A workforce of 196 is onsite to deliver the weir. They include 128 Central Queenslanders, with 14 apprentices and trainees. Related: COVID crunch for Rookwood Weir project State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the project team was working hard to keep to the construction timeline following a two-week shutdown last month after a contractor that visited the site tested positive for COVID-19. “Work is back in full swing on this incredibly important local project and it’s a testament to the commitment of everyone that big strides are being made despite activities being stopped while workers quarantined," he said. “This was made possible by the strict safety controls in place onsite that were adhered to by our workforce and overseen by Queensland Health.” Rookwood Weir is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, delivered in partnership with Sunwater. Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry (pictured below) said the Rookwood Weir project would enable the region to grow and prosper into the future. “The approximately 86,000 megalitres of water Rookwood Weir will make available will underpin agricultural growth and deliver secure, reliable and affordable water across Central Queensland, setting up local industry to succeed,” Ms Landry said. The first water from Rookwood Weir will be available in 2023, following the full commissioning of the infrastructure.

Concrete progress for $362.7m Rookwood Weir

Industry Queensland

Related News

Master plan sets scene for Great Keppel Island growth

New Bottletree results confirm continuity of mineralisation

29Metals committed to Capricorn Copper future

Get access to breaking mining news, now.