28 Jun First Pipe Arrival for Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline
The first pipes for the $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline Project has arrived in Rockhampton this week, signalling that preparations are well underway for the start of construction. The pipeline will have the 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, providing long – term water security to Gladstone’s industry and will support ongoing economic development in the region. To assist Gladstone Area Water Board with funding this important project, last week’s budget also included an equity allocation of $550 million made possible by the uplift in royalty revenue. The pipes are being manufactured by Steel Mains Pty Ltd. An Australian manufacturer and supplier of complete steel pipelines for the transportation of water and wastewater. Works are underway and the expected project completion is late 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Gladstone Area Water Board was appointed by State Government in August 2021 to deliver pre – construction activities for the pipeline, which included undertaking procurement activities, addressing land access arrangements and determining long lead time items to ensure construction readiness for the pipeline. The infrastructure approval aligns with recommendations made in the Bradfield Report, commissioned by the Queensland Government.
Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher has voiced his excitement, about the initiative.
“The 117km pipeline will deliver long term water security to the Gladstone region to support more job creating industries – this is good jobs now and into the future,” said Mr Butcher.
“The Bradfield panel recommended investing in the use of water closer to where it falls as well as developing Regional Water Grids, and we are doing just that.” stated Mr Butcher.
Gladstone Area Water Board CEO, Darren Barlow, commented on the initiative that is set to commence, within the next few months.
“This is a significant milestone for the delivery of the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline and is a great opportunity to ensure that this project is on Central Queenslander’s radars,”
“The McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture team has spent the last three months negotiating with landholders, procuring equipment and materials, and starting works at the Gracemere laydown area and workers camp to gear up for start of construction in August this year.” Said Mr Barlow.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will continue to be owned and operated by Gladstone Area Water Board once operational.
