The $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline is now halfway to completion, with 63km of pipeline laid.
The pipeline will deliver long term water security to Gladstone residents and industry, and support emerging industries like hydrogen, with $311 million invested in the 2024-25 Queensland State Budget.
Additionally, major construction of two Aldoga Reservoirs is underway. Located at the southern section of the pipeline, the two reservoirs will hold up to 100ML of water and feed Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) existing water network.
The 117km pipeline will run from the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton and connect to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network at Yarwun.
The project has created and supported 400 jobs during peak construction and 25 apprenticeships.
GAWB has engaged 111 Central Queensland businesses, with $71.6 million spent locally generating more good jobs in the region.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is expected to be operational in 2026, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is part of the record $5.8 billion investment in water infrastructure from the State Government, investment that has delivered vital water security, economic growth and 3,550 jobs across the state.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said that 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, which are vital to the Energy and Jobs Plan.
“This pipeline will help secure Gladstone’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse, but right now the project is benefitting businesses right across Central Queensland, with 111 local businesses helping the construction effort,” Mr Miles said.
Queensland Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said that once complete, the pipeline will have capacity to transport 30,000ML of water per annum to Gladstone, equivalent to 12,000 Olympic sized pools.
“Not only will it create 400 jobs during peak construction, but we’re investing in upskilling the next generation, with more than 25 apprenticeships and traineeships available on the project,” Mr Butcher said.
Gladstone Area Water Board Chief Operating Officer, Hugh Barbour, said that he was pleased to announce that GAWB’s Principal Contractors, McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture, are now 50 per cent through pipe installation.
“There has been meticulous planning and preparation to get to this point and it is thanks to the crews for their commitment to safety and quality that we have now arrived smoothly at the halfway mark,” Mr Barbour said.
“This is an important milestone for GAWB and I look forward to celebrating completion of the pipeline installation later this year, weather and construction conditions permitting.
“Construction work at the Laurel Bank intake, Alton Downs water treatment plant and Aldoga reservoirs are also progressing well and we are on track for commissioning and operation of the pipeline in 2026.
“We are committed to keeping local communities informed about ongoing works and have recently hosted a series of community information sessions in Gracemere, Alton Downs and Yarwun.”
Schwarz Excavations General Manager, Jeffrey Schwarz, said that the Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline 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,” Mr Schwarz said.
“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.”
Featured image: The Fitzroy-Gladstone pipeline. Image credit: Gladstone Area Water Board.
