Pre-construction works progress on $983m Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline

Preparation works for the construction of the $983 million Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline project in Queensland are well underway as the first pipes arrive in Rockhampton. 

The pipes are manufactured by Steel Mains Pty Ltd, an Australian manufacturer and supplier of complete steel pipelines utilised in transportation of water and wastewater. 

This news follows the announcement of the Queensland Government officially giving the green light to project construction earlier this year along with the commitment of $548.5 million in funding to be spent in 2023-24 for project delivery. 

In addition to the previous funding announcement, $550 million has also been committed as an equity allocation through the recent State Budget – which was made possible by the uplift in royalty revenue – to assist Gladstone Area Water Board in funding this vital project. 

“The 117-kilometre pipeline will deliver long-term water security to the Gladstone region to support more job creating industries – this is good jobs now and into the future. 

“The funding locked in as part of the Big Build is proof of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to Central Queenslanders. 

“The Bradfield panel recommended investing in the use of water closer to where it falls as well as developing Regional Water Grids, and we are going just that,” Water Minister and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said. 

Pipes that arrives in Rockhampton (source: Queensland Government)

The almost one-billion-dollar project will deliver a new 117-kilometre pipeline that runs from the Lower Fitzroy River in Rockhampton and connects to Gladstone Area Water Board’s existing water network in Yarwun. 

The project will also deliver a water treatment plant, reservoirs and pumping stations at several locations along the alignment of the pipeline, including Laural Bank, Alton Downs and Aldoga. 

Early works are now underway and, weather and construction conditions permitting, the project is expected to be completed in late 2026. 

Once completed, the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will have the capacity to transport up to 30 gigalitres of water annually from the Fitzroy River to Gladstone. 

“We’re eager to see the lasting positive legacy that the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline will have on our region as a result of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to supporting local content and workforce. 

“We expect to see at least 40 per cent of Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline construction costs spent locally through the duration of project delivery, which will be a fantastic opportunity and economic boost for Rockhampton,” Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said. 

Project map (source: Gladstone Area Water Board)

The Queensland Government appointed Gladstone Area Water Board in August 2021 to carry out pre-construction works including procurement, addressing land access arrangements and determining long lead time items that will ensure the project is ready for construction. 

Gladstone Area Water Board will continue to own and operate the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline once it is operational. 

A $714 million design and construct contract was awarded earlier this year to the 50/50 joint venture between BMD Constructions and McConnell Dowell. The joint venture will commit to utilising local content for the delivery of the project, including a $10 million spend on suppliers and businesses owned by First Nations Australians along with allocating 10,000 hours of participation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers. In addition, around 15 per cent of work hours during the construction phase will be given to trainees and apprentices. 

“This is a significant milestone for the delivery of the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline and is a great opportunity to ensure that this project is on Central Queenslander’s radars. 

“The McConnell Dowell BMD Joint Venture team has spent the last three months negotiating with landowners, procuring equipment and materials, and starting works at the Gracemere laydown area and workers camp to gear up for start of construction in August of this year,” Gladstone Area Water Board CEO Darren Barlow said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Gladstone Area Water Board; Inside Construction; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Utility Magazine