The largest weir to be built in Australia, since World War II, is taking shape in Central Queensland.
A 185-person strong workforce has boots on the ground at Rookwood Weir, after construction activities were paused due to Fitzroy River inundation in late 2021.
Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said recent good weather is helping Sunwater and its staff to deliver the $367.2 million project on time.
"In the last few weeks, work has ramped back up, including concrete pours for the weir's monoliths and coffer dam and dental concrete for the weir's foundations.
"In February, the project launched a recruitment campaign to fill required positions as part of this ramp up of activity," he said.
"The initial drive to fill 40 positions has increased to upwards of 90 due to plans to further ramp up construction after Easter, with roster changes ensuring a continuous work schedule at the site."
Rockhampton MP Barry O'Rourke said as of this week, more than 70 of those vacancies have been filled across trades of labourers, formsetters, steel fixers, concreters, riggers and crane operators, with over half of those hired residing in Central Queensland.
"Of the 185 people now working on the weir, who are either commuting to and from site daily or residing in the on-site workers camp, 21 are trainees and apprentices, with almost half undergoing their carpentry trade.
"This project shows the Palaszczuk Government's strong commitment to water security in Central Queensland but also to local jobs. After being a strong advocate for Rookwood Weir, I am so proud to watch this come to life."
The workforce on site is expected to peak at 250 people.
Keppel MP Brittany Lauga congratulated the State Government and Sunwater on keeping the project on track for completion in 2023.
"Although we welcomed the rainfall received in the region late last year and into 2022, it's great to see a buzz of activity beginning again at the Rookwood Weir site as we continue the build of what will be a significant piece of water infrastructure for Central Queensland," she said.
Work on a fish lock at the weir also continues, with help from the Tunuba group, a joint venture between the Darumbal People and CQG Consulting, which involves safely removing and relocating fish from the inundated left bank to enable the build to continue.
Minister Butcher was joined by the local MPs and Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton in Rockhampton earlier this week, to co-sign the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) between the Queensland Government and the Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC – the Traditional Custodians of the site's land.
Mr Stockton also met with some of the corporation's employees who undertook the cultural heritage surveys of the site, further strengthening relationships as part of the ILUA signing.
"It was a real honour hearing the significance of Country and culture from the Darumbal elders at the ILUA signing and the important role the river plays in that.
"We have a responsibility to understand, respect and value the traditional Country we operate on, and we are committed to working with the Darumbal peoples in how we do this.
"It's also a great opportunity to educate our staff on the cultural importance of the site at the same time," Mr Stockton said.
Over the life of the weir's construction, 11 per cent of those inducted are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander with more than 70 per cent residing within 125km of the project site.
Rookwood Weir is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, delivered in partnership with Sunwater. The landmark project will capture valuable water in the lower Fitzroy River for use across the region.
