Council welcomes release of Rookwood Weir Business Case

Published on 24 January 2018

Rockhampton Regional Council has welcomed the release of the long-awaited Rookwood Weir Business Case by the Queensland Government in Rockhampton this morning.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said Council was now working its way through the report and, while it would take some time to digest, Council was encouraged that open and frank discussions could now take place between all levels of Government to get this critical project underway.

“The further development of the abundant water resource we have in the Fitzroy is something that has been on Council’s agenda since the construction of the Barrage decades ago,” Mayor Strelow said.

“The opportunity is there now and it is critical that all stakeholders work together to deliver this resource for our Region to ensure its long-term water security and drive economic growth in our agricultural sector.

“This project would deliver another 76,000 mega litres of water annually across Central Queensland and is critical to the future water supply security and economic growth of our Region.

“It is unfortunate but not surprising to see the cost has risen since the initial assessment but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that construction will always cost more the longer you delay – that’s why we need to grab this opportunity now with both hands while it is within reach.

“We’re encouraged by comments from both State and Federal Governments regarding funding of this project and Council will eagerly await the outcomes of these discussions as they will play an important part in our Region’s future,” Mayor Strelow said.