Minister and local member visit Rookwood Weir site as Project start draws closer

Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham joined State Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke in May to explore Rookwood Weir’s key worksites ahead of the Project’s first construction activities.

Early works including the Gogango intersection upgrade and Thirsty Creek Road upgrade, which will ensure the local road network can safely manage future construction traffic, are scheduled to start in late 2019, weather permitting.

Dr Lynham said he was looking forward to seeing first ground broken on the Project.

“Rookwood Weir will provide fantastic opportunities for the people in this region,” Dr Lynham said.

“The Project will enable local producers to transition to higher value agricultural land use, facilitate new industrial business opportunities and provide future water security for the region.”

Dr Lynham said the Project would provide a significant local employment boon throughout construction.

“All Project partners are committed to facilitating local job opportunities and delivering regional economic benefit wherever possible throughout the planning and construction of Rookwood Weir,” he said.

“Queensland legislation also dictates 15 per cent of the total work hours on the Project will be completed by apprentices and trainees, which will provide great opportunities for the next generation of local workers.

“We look forward to sharing more information about the Project as we draw nearer to the start of early works.”