Construction is underway on the $352 million Rookwood Weir project, with tenders still open and bids being assessed for the main construction partner.
The upgrade works are to improve access to the weir and accommodate higher traffic volumes, work crews and heavy equipment.
It involves widening 16.2 kilometres of Thirsty Creek Road to 6.5 metres from the intersection of Riverslea Road to the site, applying a bitumen seal to some road segments, upgrading existing culverts and drainage works.
Two tenders are open to build a new Riverslea Bridge and for the multi-million-dollar upgrade of the Capricorn Highway intersection upgrade at Gogango.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke welcomed the milestone for the project.
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“It’s great to see our own Rocky Regional Council workers out there in their hi-vis undertaking the first works,” O’Rourke said.
“This is boots on the ground for Rookwood, and most importantly, they’re even more local jobs.”
Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister Brittany Lauga said she was looking forward to the government’s Buy Queensland procurement policy delivering for more local workers and businesses.
“The Thirsty Creek works will generate the equivalent of 25 jobs and that’s just the beginning as more contracts are awarded leading to more jobs,” she said.
“I’d encourage our local central Queensland businesses to sign up at the online suppliers’ portal for the opportunity to be part of this landmark project.”
Rookwood Weir aims to make thousands of megalitres available to help underpin agricultural growth and supply industrial and urban water in central Queensland.
Construction of the project will create up to 100 jobs. Works are expected to be complete by July 2020.