The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals
Federal Member for Riverina
The Hon Michelle Landry MP
Assistant Minister for Children and Families
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia
Federal Member for Capricornia
Ken O’Dowd MP
Federal Member for Flynn
MEDIA RELEASE
The $352.2 million Rookwood Weir is moving ahead, with the co-signing of a funding agreement with the Queensland Government.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said investing $176.1 million towards building the Rookwood Weir showed the Australian Government’s commitment to developing regional communities.
“We welcome the progress on Rookwood Weir – a project that will deliver around 200 jobs during construction, increase water security and expand irrigated agricultural production in the Lower Fitzroy River region,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“By growing our agricultural production, we are supporting regional Australian livelihoods, creating jobs and contributing to regional economic recovery.”
The project involves the construction of the new Rookwood Weir on the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton and includes upgrades to existing infrastructure to support the construction and operation of the weir.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the project would provide water security to help grow and diversify agriculture in the region, while supporting industrial water use around the Gladstone, Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton regions.
“I have fought hard for years to see Rookwood Weir come to fruition and it’s welcome news that the funding agreement has finally been agreed upon between the Queensland Government and the Australian Government,” she said.
“Now, federal funding will start flowing to Rookwood Weir in accordance with the condition of the Queensland Government meeting construction milestones.
“I share the considerable uncertainty expressed to me by farmers, land owners and graziers on the total water capacity for Rookwood Weir, and I sincerely hope the Queensland Government allocates adequate water for agricultural use at a fair price.
“The access to reliable and affordable water is integral to the growth of Central Queensland’s agriculture sector and it increases Central Queensland’s chances of becoming Australia’s next food bowl in tandem with other water projects like Connors River Dam and Urannah Dam.”
Federal Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said he was a long-term supporter of the Rookwood Weir project because it would help deliver water to drive greater economic productivity in the region.
“Water security is always a critical concern for our region and the Rookwood Weir project will help alleviate this concern,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“Every Central Queenslander should be excited for this project kicking off.”
The Australian Government is investing $3.5 billion towards a 10-year rolling program of water infrastructure projects that will supply billions of litres of water for productive use each year and develop the National Water Grid.
This investment will grow Australian agriculture, increase water security, build resilience to drought and support regional prosperity.
For information about the National Water Grid visit www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au.
