Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project reaches new major construction milestone

The delivery of the $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project has reached a major milestone with construction commencing on two Aldoga Reservoirs. 

The reservoirs are located at the southern section of the pipeline and they have the capacity to hold up to 100 megalitres of water and feed Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) existing network. 

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project is delivering a 117-kilometre pipeline connecting the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun. The project also involves the construction of a water treatment plant, reservoirs and pumping stations at several sites along the pipeline alignment including at Laurel Bank, Alton Downs and Aldoga. 

“It is fantastic to see the progress at the Aldoga Reservoirs site, following three months of preparative works, which included the removal of more than 65,700 cubic metres of earth. 

“Each reservoir is approximately 76 metres wide, which is more than the width of a rugby field, so it has certainly been a massive job for the team. 

“Our Principal Contractors, McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture, are currently 43 per cent of the way through total construction, with more than 44 kilometres of pipe laid to date. 

“The team also recently celebrated the finalisation of roadworks on Laurel Bank and Ski Gardens Roads and the trenchless crossing at the Capricorn Highway. 

“We are committed to keeping local communities informed about ongoing works and will be hosting a series of community information sessions in Gracemere, Alton Downs and Yarwun over the coming months,” Gladstone Area Water Board Chief Executive Officer Darren Barlow said. 

The project is estimated to support 400 jobs at peak construction period along with 25 apprenticeship opportunities. Utilising local content has been a focus in the delivery of the project with about 111 Central Queensland businesses engaged to date, providing a significant boost in jobs in the region. 

Major construction on the project commenced in October 2023. Weather and construction conditions permitting, the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is due to be operational in 2026. Project delivery is being undertaken by the McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture. 

The pipeline will be owned and managed by Gladstone Area Water Board once it is up and running. 

“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,” Schwarz Excavations General Manager Jerry Schwarz said. 

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is being delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s record $5.8 billion investment in water infrastructure that has delivered vital water security as well as economic growth and 3,550 jobs across the State. 

The significant investment also includes the Rookwood Weir project, and its successful delivery makes this pipeline project possible. 

“Working alongside our Rookwood Weir, the biggest Weir since World War Two, the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will deliver long-term water security to the Gladstone region. Further proof that the Miles Government and the Big Build continuing to deliver for Central Queensland. 

“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. 

“There are 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,” Minister for Water and member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Gladstone Area Water Board; Queensland Government – Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water