- Premier and Water Minister mark 50% completion for the almost $1 billion Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline
- Project supported by $311 million investment in the 2024-25 Budget
- 400 direct jobs during peak construction and more than 25 apprenticeships
- Pipeline will strengthen water security and unlock future jobs in Gladstone
Premier Steven Miles and Water Minister Glenn Butcher have marked the halfway point of construction of the $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone, with 63 kilometres of pipeline now laid.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will deliver long term water security to Gladstone residents and industry, and support emerging industries like hydrogen, with $311 million invested in the 2024-25 State Budget.
Additionally, major construction of two Aldoga Reservoirs is underway. Located at the southern section of the pipeline, the two reservoirs will hold up-to 100 megalitres of water and feed Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) existing water network.
The 117-kilometre pipeline will run from the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun.
The project has created and supported 400 jobs during peak construction and 25 apprenticeships.
GAWB has engaged 111 Central Queensland businesses, with $71.6 million spent locally generating more good jobs in the region.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is expected to be operational in 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is part of the record $5.8 billion investment in water infrastructure under the Miles Government, investment that has delivered vital water security, economic growth and 3,550 jobs across the state.
Part of that investment also includes Rookwood Weir, which has made this pipeline possible.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
“The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline isn’t just bringing water security to Gladstone, it will unlock more jobs in emerging industries like hydrogen and critical minerals, which are vital to our Energy and Jobs Plan.
“This pipeline will help secure Gladstone’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse, but right now the project is benefitting businesses right across CQ, with 111 local businesses helping the construction effort.
“That’s more local jobs and more supplier opportunities right across Central Queensland thanks to this important Big Build project.”
As stated by the Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher:
“Once complete, the pipeline will have capacity to transport 30,000 ML of water per annum to Gladstone, equivalent to 12,000 Olympic sized pools.
“Not only will it create 400 jobs during peak construction, but we’re investing in upskilling the next generation, with more than 25 apprenticeships and traineeships available on the project.
“The reality is, this project wouldn’t happen under an LNP Government – while we’re building assets, all they care about is cutting and privatising.
“Instead of talking up our new industries, talking up Rookwood weir and the Pipeline, all Colin Boyce and Michelle Landry can muster is talking down our Jobs and Energy Plan. They don’t believe in good, secure jobs and growing our industries.
“The proof is in the pudding. Thousands of jobs in Central Queensland thanks to the Queensland Labor Government, with more to come thanks to our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.”
As stated by Gladstone Area Water Board Chief Operating Officer, Hugh Barbour:
“Today signifies a huge step in the Fitzroy to Gladstone project – the halfway mark of pipeline installation.
“I am pleased to announce that our Principal Contractors, McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture, are now 50 percent through pipe installation, with more than 63 kilometres of pipe laid to date.
“There has been meticulous planning and preparation to get to this point and it is thanks to the crews for their commitment to safety and quality that we have now arrived smoothly at the halfway mark.
“This is an important milestone for Gladstone Area Water Board and I look forward to celebrating completion of the pipeline installation later this year, weather and construction conditions permitting.
“Construction work at the Laurel Bank intake, Alton Downs water treatment plant and Aldoga reservoirs are also progressing well and we are on track for commissioning and operation of the pipeline in 2026.
“We are committed to keeping local communities informed about ongoing works and have recently hosted a series of community information sessions in Gracemere, Alton Downs and Yarwun.”
As stated by Schwarz Excavations General Manager, Jeffrey Schwarz:
“The Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline certainly is a good project to be part of. Schwarz Excavations has been working on the project since April 2023. This is a big project for water security and future industries, so it is really exciting for our business.
“We are proudly based in Gracemere and employ over 100 Central Queenslanders. With up to 60 people and 35 machines working on the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project at any given time.”
Further Information:
The pipeline will have the capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone.
To date, approximately 63 kilometres of pipe has been laid. Early works, including clearing and grading, to prepare the site and create access for pipe laying, commenced in late August.
