Construction of $983m Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline hits halfway mark

The $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project in Queensland has reached a major construction milestone as it hits the halfway mark – with about 63 kilometres of pipeline already laid. 

In addition, major works on two Aldoga Reservoirs are also underway. The two reservoirs are located at the southern section of the pipeline, holding up to 100 megalitres of water and will feed Gladstone Area Water Board’s (GAWB) existing water network. 

“Today signifies a huge step in the Fitzroy to Gladstone project – the halfway mark of pipeline installation. 

“I am pleased to announce that our Principal Contractors, McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture, are now 50 per cent through pipe installation, with more than 63 kilometres of pipe laid to date. 

“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. 

“This is an important milestone for Gladstone Area Water Board 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,” Gladstone Area Water Board Chief Operating Officer Hugh Barbour said. 

The Queensland Government invested $311 million through the 2024-25 State Budget towards the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline, which will deliver long-term water security to Gladstone residents and industry and support emerging industries in the region such as hydrogen and renewables. 

The pipeline will span 117 kilometres, running from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connect to GAWB’s existing water network at Yarwun. The almost $1 billion project includes a water treatment plant, reservoirs and pumping stations at locations along its alignment including Laurel Bank, Alton Downs and Aldoga. 

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project has created and supported around 400 jobs during peak construction period, including 25 apprenticeships. 

“Once complete, the pipeline will have capacity to transport 30,000 ML 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,” Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said. 

To date, GAWB has engaged 111 Central Queensland businesses and spent $71.6 million locally, generating more jobs in the region. 

Weather and construction conditions permitting, the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is anticipated to be operational in 2026. 

“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 Jeffrey Schwarz said. 

This pipeline project is part of the record $5.8 billion investment in water infrastructure under the Miles Government, an investment that has delivered vital water security, economic growth and 3,550 jobs across Queensland. 

Part of this significant investment is Rookwood Weir, which has made this pipeline possible. 

“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 our 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 CQ, with 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,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Gladstone Area Water Board; Infrastructure Magazine