Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline project

The Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) depends on Awoonga Dam on the Boyne River for bulk water. Droughts in recent decades have shown the increased risk of only a single water supply source.

The Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline project (FGP) will reduce the impact of local droughts. It will provide long-term water security and economic opportunity for the Central Queensland region.

This large project is to build:

  • a 117-kilometre pipeline with the capacity to transfer 30 gigalitres of water a year from the Lower Fitzroy River (at Rookwood Weir) to the Gladstone Area Water Board (at Yarwun).
  • intake structure and pumping station at Laurel Bank
  • a water treatment plant, reservoir and pumping station at Alton Downs
  • reservoirs at Aldoga.

The Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) will deliver, own and operate the pipeline. Construction is planned for completion in 2026 (weather and construction conditions permitting). McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture are the construction contractor appointed by GAWB.

Approval for the $983 million funding from the Queensland Government was announced on 23 February 2023.

Read the full funding statement.

  • The Queensland Government’s approval of the construction of the FGP was based on a detailed business case and assessment, led by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water. This was completed in 2021.

    It recommended the construction of the FGP to address the single-source water supply risk from Awoonga Dam to provide long-term water security to Gladstone’s industry and support ongoing economic development in the region.

    The assessment is also consistent with key findings and recommendations made by the Bradfield Regional Assessment and Development Expert Panel Report to invest in water infrastructure closer to where it falls through the development of smaller scale regional water grids.

  • The pipeline is to be operated so that it does not compromise water security for current water users at the Fitzroy Barrage.

    Water supplied from Rookwood Weir to Gladstone via the FGP will have no long-term negative impacts on Rockhampton’s water security.

    Water allocations from Rookwood Weir will be granted in accordance with the Fitzroy water plan and the rules of the water management protocol.

Last updated: 12 Mar 2024