Rookwood Weir
Consultation has commenced on the proposed operational rules for the Rookwood Weir Water Supply Scheme. Visit the Sunwater project page.
Rookwood Weir is on track to provide new economic and employment opportunities for the agricultural industry and the community of Central Queensland.
On this page:
- About Rookwood Weir
- Water planning process and timeline
- Business considerations
- Contact us
- More information
About Rookwood Weir
Rookwood Weir is a $367 million water infrastructure investment to drive new economic and employment opportunities for the agricultural industry and the community of Central Queensland.
The thousands of megalitres of water that Rookwood Weir will make available will underpin agricultural, industrial and urban growth in Central Queensland.
We are working alongside Sunwater to ensure that our water planning supports the water products Sunwater will be bringing to market. To find out more about the Rookwood Weir project or accessing water from Sunwater’s scheme, visit the project page, or contact the Sunwater team by emailing rookwood.weir@sunwater.com.au or calling 1800 423 213.
The Rookwood Weir project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, delivered in partnership with Sunwater.
Proposed location of Rookwood Weir in the Fitzroy Basin
Google map co-ordinates: Rookwood Weir 23°32'30.8"S 150°00'56.6"E
Rookwood Weir crest height optimisation
Through the detailed design process, Sunwater with its design and construction partners identified an opportunity to raise the crest height of Rookwood weir by 700mm – optimising the yield the weir will deliver. The Queensland Government has committed to funding this improvement to ensure Rookwood Weir delivers for Central Queensland.
Find out more about the height optimisation on Sunwater’s project page.
Water planning process and timeline
Rookwood Weir is a critical piece of water infrastructure for Central Queensland and we’re committed to working together with Sunwater and the community to make it a success. A key aspect of this is bringing Rookwood Weir into the region's water planning process.
The amendments to the Water Plan (Fitzroy Basin) 2011 have been finalised to support the Rookwood Weir project.
These amendments are the result of 12 months of public consultation and scientific analysis to ensure the water from Rookwood Weir supports local environmental, cultural, agricultural and urban needs into the future.
To support operation of the Rookwood Weir Water Supply Scheme, we are currently working alongside Sunwater to publicly consult on proposed changes to the Fitzroy Basin water management protocol, Resource Operations Licence and Operations Manual.
Timeline for Fitzroy Basin water planning and Rookwood Weir
| Milestones | Timelines |
|---|---|
| Establishment of Fitzroy Basin water plan | 2011 |
| Consultation on statement of proposals to amend the Fitzroy Basin water plan to include Rookwood Weir | April to June 2020 |
| Rookwood Weir water market engagement by Sunwater | May 2020 |
| Rookwood Weir design completed by Sunwater | End of 2020 |
| Rookwood Weir construction starts | April 2021 |
| Final water plan amendment | June 2021 |
| Amendments made to operational instruments relating to the operation of Rookwood Weir | 2022-2023 |
| Rookwood Weir commissioned and operational | 2023 |
Business considerations
Investment opportunities and the water allocation offer process are being managed by Sunwater on behalf of the Queensland Government.
For more information on the offer process, read about Sunwater’s Rookwood Weir Project water plan and sales.
If you’re considering securing water from Rookwood Weir to grow your business, you can start planning now. Before you begin, you should obtain independent professional advice relevant for your business.
Below are some starting points for you to consider:
- Find out more about approvals to clear native vegetation.
- Read about development approvals for water-related works.
- Access the one-stop service for agribusiness development tools and support.
- Understand your obligations to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
- Read Sunwater’s overview of landholder opportunities (PDF, 4.7MB) in the region.
- Read about land management.
- Understand the regulations for capturing and storing overland flow water.
- Visit the Queensland Farmers’ Federation for advice on energy efficient irrigation practices.
Contact us
If you require any further information or wish to discuss the Rookwood Weir project with someone from the department, please contact us by emailing centralwaterservices@rdmw.qld.gov.au
More information
- Find out more about water management in the Fitzroy Basin.
- Get updates on the Rookwood Weir project, or call Sunwater on 1800 423 213 or email rookwood.weir@sunwater.com.au.
Last updated: 16 Sep 2022